Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

"The ultimate secret technique of the Uchiha clan—the Mangekyou Sharingan? This is indeed your clan's greatest source of confidence!"

Onoki looked intently at the torso beneath Shoji's eyes with a profound gaze, and spoke in a deep and complex tone.

"Yes, this is the strongest trump card of our Uchiha clan. Moreover, if the information is even slightly accurate, Lord Tsuchikage should know that our clan now possesses three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan. With the addition of our clan, Iwagakure will surely become the strongest village in the current ninja world!"

"As for the issue of leaving Konoha, as mentioned by Lord Tsuchikage, that is a matter of opinion. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura have always regarded our Uchiha clan as prehistoric beasts, believing that we are all incomprehensible madmen, and have been extremely wary of us, never giving us any trust."

"Of course, the biggest problem lies in 'power.' They are unwilling to give up the power they hold, believing that our Uchiha clan will threaten their position sooner or later. Therefore, they adopt an attitude that our clan is a scourge, guarding against us, fearing us, and persecuting us. As a result, our Uchiha clan is unwilling to stay."

"This is the reason why our clan left Konoha. Whether Lord Tsuchikage believes it or not is your freedom and right. All I can say is that the Uchiha clan can bring unprecedented benefits and opportunities to Iwagakure. I also know that from the perspective of the village's Kage, Lord Tsuchikage has many things to consider, but this is definitely a win-win decision. It just depends on whether Lord Tsuchikage has the magnanimity to take a gamble!"

Shoji stared intently at Onoki and said in a deep voice.

It must be said that Shoji's words were incredibly seductive and persuasive. Ordinary people were naturally swayed, but even Huangtu and Chitu were almost swayed by Shoji's influence at that moment. This was all something Onoki had foreseen beforehand: the 'value and significance of the Uchiha clan!'

However, this same Third Tsuchikage could also see the hidden risks of the Uchiha clan. It wasn't about the problems on Konoha's side, which were not even within Onoki's concerns. Rather, it was the combination of the Nine-Tails' attack that broke out in Konoha more than a year ago, and his pre-existing fixed perception of the Uchiha clan, that made this Third Tsuchikage feel that the Uchiha clan posed a certain kind of danger.

This kind of danger has a certain probability of leading Iwagakure to its destruction.

However, after actually interacting with Uchiha Shoji, this feeling was greatly diminished, especially after hearing Shoji's explanation of the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Konoha leadership. Onoki's eyes flickered slightly. Of course, he didn't completely believe Shoji's words; at most, it was a 50/50 situation.

However, after considering the context and the development of this series of events...

Onoki's sensitive heart relaxed a little.

Ultimately, he was quite inclined to accept the Uchiha clan; the only remaining concern was a deep-seated fear and prejudice stemming from Madara Uchiha.

This forced the Third Tsuchikage to take a more cautious approach.

He was the Tsuchikage, carrying the hopes of hundreds of thousands of villagers and more than 10,000 Iwa ninja!

133. Onoki's Decision

What lies before us is a clear and precise view of the benefits and the bright future of the village.

And those so-called risks, which still lacked a sense of reality and were unpredictable, were also present. Moreover, one thing that Onoki was certain of was that the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the Konoha leadership was indeed very likely a power struggle.

Back when Onoki was still a teenager, he had heard about the Uchiha clan, especially the relationship between Madara Uchiha and Konoha. After Madara Uchiha and the First Hokage died one after another, and Konoha entered the reign of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, the Uchiha clan's position and situation in Konoha seemed to have become very delicate.

While he had his own worries and concerns, he also believed that what Jiang Si said was indeed a win-win strategy, but also a very risky decision.

'Does it reflect one's own capacity?'

Onoki stared at Uchiha Shoji, whose expression remained calm.

The atmosphere suddenly became eerily quiet. Huang Tu, Chi Tu, Ya Shiro, and Gu Yuan all showed a solemn expression. Ya Shiro and Gu Yuan, in particular, pursed their lips slightly, and their expressions became somewhat cold.

One thought can lead to heaven, another to hell. Many times, even things that are 99% safe can still have that 1% risk. For Onoki, making a decision in such a situation is undoubtedly an extreme test of his magnanimity.

It seemed to last only a second.

It also seems as ancient as eternity.

They gazed at each other silently.

Suddenly, everything became clear.

"call...."

After the Third Tsuchikage gently exhaled a breath of turbid air.

Like ice melting in an instant, Onoki's beaming smile instantly dispelled the tense atmosphere.

"You are indeed a very interesting fellow. Mr. Shoji, I agree. Iwagakure welcomes the Uchiha clan to join us!"

Onoki looked at Shoji with a resolute expression and said in a firm and resounding tone.

Ultimately, while both sides would bear certain risks in joining Iwagakure, it's clear that the Uchiha clan faced greater risks. No one could be certain whether Iwagakure would become the next "Konoha" for the Uchiha clan. From Iwagakure's perspective, no matter how large the Uchiha clan was, it was still vastly inferior to the Five Great Shinobi Villages, especially considering that the Uchiha's core strength had been weakened by nearly half after their great battle with Konoha!

In addition, there were ordinary tribesmen who could hardly be considered as combatants.

To be rational, the benefits of Iwagakure accepting the Uchiha clan far outweigh the drawbacks. No matter how terrifying the Mangekyou Sharingan is, Onoki doesn't believe it will be like the Uchiha Madara of the past, or even half as powerful.

This is something that can be easily deduced.

If the three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha clan possessed more than half the power of Uchiha Madara, their clan would not need to leave Konoha at all. As someone who has personally witnessed and experienced the terror of Uchiha Madara, Onoki can easily judge that the so-called heroes of ninja and the darkness of Konoha are no match for Uchiha Madara. Even half the power of Uchiha Madara would be enough to crush the entire Konoha.

Not to mention three 'halfs'!

Therefore, the threat level of the Uchiha clan is neither necessary nor possible to be regarded as that of Madara Uchiha.

Moreover, even if the Uchiha clan truly desires to seize the highest power in Iwagakure and ascend to the position of Tsuchikage, as long as the Uchiha can truly make Iwagakure 'rule the world'!

Why not?

At least, Onoki was quite satisfied with the Uchiha Shoji standing before him.

Although there may still be problems, the benefits of accepting the Uchiha clan far outweigh the drawbacks.

The Uchiha clan has that kind of decisiveness.

How could Onoki, who had ruled Iwagakure for over thirty years, be indecisive? He's not like Hiruzen Sarutobi!

Previously, it was really just a tiny bit of strange emotion deep in his heart that made the Third Tsuchikage hesitate a little. In the end, reason and experience prevailed over the slight hesitation of emotion.

These are straightforward words.

Instead, it was Shoji, who was sitting opposite, who was slightly taken aback. It wasn't that he was surprised that Onoki would choose to accept the Uchiha clan. Shoji had already assessed that the probability of Iwagakure or even Kumogakure accepting the Uchiha clan was over 70%, although there might be some detailed requirements involved.

Therefore, Shoji thought the final result would not change, but there would be some complicated negotiations in the process and some specific details. However, he did not expect that Onoki's change of attitude was too fast. Shoji was still thinking and considering how to negotiate with the Third Tsuchikage in front of him about what status the Uchiha clan should achieve in Iwagakure and what price they would have to pay.

Onoki blurted out those words.

It's like the game is only halfway through.

The game administrator will simply announce that you have completed the game.

Shoji was immediately bewildered, staring blankly at Onoki across from him.

After all, he was still a young man. Even if you include his previous life as 'Liu Heng', he was just a college student. In terms of experience and knowledge, these old foxes in the ninja world were far superior to Shoji. Looking at Shoji's slightly confused expression, Onoki could easily guess what Shoji was thinking.

At that moment, he smiled slightly and said, "Do you feel that my behavior is too inconsistent? Agreeing to you all of a sudden seems unreal and unreliable. You might even think that I and Iwagakure are just trying to fish out your Uchiha clan, Mr. Jiang Si?"

"Huh? This? Uh... well, yes... we did have that thought. The Tsuchikage isn't wrong. Of course, I don't think the Tsuchikage is plotting anything. Initially, including myself, our Uchiha clan was quite confident that the Tsuchikage and Iwagakure would eventually accept our clan. After all, to be honest, the Tsuchikage should know that our Uchiha clan would be taking on a higher risk. If it weren't for the sake of those ordinary clan members, we would hardly have made such a risky decision."

"While Iwagakure does indeed bear certain risks, the benefits are clearly considerable. It was predictable that they would agree to our clan's request. However, I personally believe that the Tsuchikage will have more questions and make some specific demands."

He was momentarily stunned, but quickly came to his senses.

Jiang Si shook his head slightly, a bitter smile on his face, and said.

"Hehe, as expected of the most talented person in the Uchiha clan, Shoji-kun."

Onoki put his hands behind his back and said with a smile.

134. The consensus reached

Young, capable, and extremely intelligent.

It must be said that in the current ninja world, if you want to find a young person more outstanding than Shoji, at least Onoki cannot find a second one. Even his most admired disciple, Deidara, only has considerable strength and extremely strong talent and potential. In terms of character and wisdom, Deidara and Shoji are really far apart.

Moreover, Deidara was only a little over 6 years old at this time, and he was still playing 'horror explosion games' in the village every day, so there was no comparison.

His own son, Huangtu, lacked some of his 'spirit', being too honest and a little naive. As for the remaining Chitu, Wenya, and the younger generation, let's not even talk about them.

And the more this was the case, the more Onoki admired Shoji.

He was born a ninja.

In terms of talent and ability, looking at Shoji, Onoki couldn't help but think of the terrifying Uchiha Madara. However, compared to Madara, Shoji was more gentle and peaceful, without any of the arrogance or haughtiness of the Uchiha clan.

It's easy to make people feel good about you.

This is what Onoki believes to be the biggest difference between Shoji and Madara, and it is also what puts Onoki at ease right now.

Even at this moment, Onoki was considering whether Shoji could become the next Tsuchikage of Iwagakure. This was no joke. Of course, it only crossed his mind for a fleeting moment and shouldn't be taken too seriously. But from this point of view, it was enough to show Onoki's attitude towards Shoji and the Uchiha clan at this moment.

"Hehe, you're absolutely right. Logically speaking, there should indeed be some 'steps' needed, but at this moment, I think they're all nonsense, because you've already given me the answer I wanted, Lord Si!"

Onoki smiled gently and said.

"As for the issues you mentioned, I believe that as long as we can reach a general agreement, the rest are not problems, are they?"

The remaining problems are not problems at all.

When Shoji heard Onoki's words and saw the calm and composed expression on his face, a faint light flickered in Shoji's pupils. It must be said that among the leaders of the five great nations in the ninja world, the Fourth Raikage A and the Third Tsuchikage Onoki are the most magnanimous and generous in terms of spirit and capacity. As for the remaining three, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi is not lacking in ambition or magnanimity, but he is much inferior in terms of capacity and willpower.

Especially deep down, the difficult situation in Konoha during his youth instilled in him a cautious approach to everything, which has evolved into his current indecisive personality. This is the Third Hokage's biggest and most fatal flaw!

Similarly, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, had the same problem. Therefore, under the leadership of these two, Konoha and Sunagakure truly slid step by step towards the bottom. Some people may think that under Hiruzen Sarutobi's gentle rule, Konoha smoothly passed through the period of weakness caused by the Nine-Tails' attack and successfully transitioned to the generation of Naruto. However, the invisible benefits that Konoha lost in the process were enormous!

It is entirely fair to say that Hiruzen Sarutobi made tremendous contributions and provided significant assistance to the development of Konoha during his prime, while inflicting immense damage on Konoha during his old age, and these two contributions cannot be offset against each other.

Luo Sha has the same problem.

Without going into too much detail, just looking at the incident in the original work where he colluded with Orochimaru to attack Konoha, you can see that this Fourth Kazekage and Hiruzen Sarutobi share a fatal flaw that is similar in nature—indecisiveness!

It's not that we can't team up with Orochimaru.

The most foolish thing is to make a firm decision, then change your mind halfway through, and then be killed and used. (The original work does not explain why Orochimaru killed Rasa. Considering only the most likely scenario, it is that Rasa regretted his decision at the last minute, and Orochimaru killed him to ensure the smooth execution of the plan. Otherwise, no matter how bad Rasa was, he was at least a helper at the level of a quasi-Kage to a Kage, and there was no reason to kill him.)

So it's no wonder that Sunagakure and Konoha are considered 'allies'!

They are all the same in their bones.

Leaving aside Yagura Karatachi, the leader of Kirigakure in the east of the sea, Mei Terumi, who later became the Fifth Mizukage, was an outstanding person in terms of magnanimity, intelligence, and will. However, even so, she was still significantly inferior to Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage in front of her.

'Truly worthy of being the Tsuchikage who led Iwagakure to remain at the pinnacle of the ninja world for decades, never allowing the village to fall into decline!'

Looking at Onoki's aged face, Shoji could fully sense the unwavering will deep within the heart of this Tsuchikage.

The Will of Stone of Iwagakure!

This was a far more visionary and courageous Kage than Hiruzen Sarutobi. In the original story, if it weren't for the fierce fighting between Iwagakure and Kumogakure in the northern region, Iwagakure would have mobilized more than 70-80% of its fighting force—over 10,000 ninjas—to participate in the encirclement and suppression of the rearguard led by the Third Raikage.

Instead, they would choose to directly invade the Land of Fire from the south.

It's really going to be difficult for Konoha to extricate itself from the quagmire of the Third Shinobi World War.

It's all about timing and fate!

“You’re right, these are minor matters. Thank you for your permission, Tsuchikage. I, Uchiha Shoji, here on behalf of the Uchiha clan, formally join Iwagakure, accept the leadership of the Tsuchikage, and fight for the greater good of Iwagakure!”

At that moment, Jiang Si straightened his body instantly, then bent down and bowed respectfully, speaking loudly with a hint of reverence.