Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Because of the special nature of Old Purple's identity and his extraordinary personal power, Onoki turned a blind eye to Old Purple's behavior.

After all, these are the most resilient representatives of 'Kage-level combat power' in the village!

Moreover, from a practical point of view, once a full-scale war breaks out in a ninja village, the Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts are much stronger than ordinary Kage-level ninjas, especially in terms of large-scale frontal combat power. Generally speaking, the difference between them is very large. To give a very clear example, the Third Raikage at his peak was worthy of being called a Super Kage-level ninja. He could fight on equal terms with the Eight-Tails Gyūki and even had the ability to seriously injure the Eight-Tails.

But when it comes to the actual battlefield...

The Eight-Tails Gyūki's capabilities far surpassed those of the Third Raikage. To use the previous 10,000 Iwa ninja as an analogy, the Eight-Tails Gyūki's destructive power was at least four or five times that of the Third Raikage!

This is the main reason why the major ninja villages value tailed beasts.

Especially now that all the major ninja villages are entering a period of talent depletion, the tailed beasts, with their formidable strength and Kage-level power, have become the most important force.

In addition, Lao Zi's seniority in the village is second only to Onoki, making him an "uncle" of the Huangtu and Chitu generation.

Therefore, Old Purple has a very high degree of freedom. Unless there are important matters in the village, Onoki lets Old Purple do whatever he wants.

Including the Uchiha clan joining Iwagakure this time, Rōshi didn't care at all. Not only now, but he hadn't shown up before either. However, apart from this somewhat capricious Iwagakure 'senior', all the most important middle and high-ranking figures of Iwagakure appeared in what could be considered the most formal meeting.

The Jonin Iwazawa, who was in charge of the Kamisumi clan, was sitting in the third position on the left. Several other Jonin, who were in charge of the most important parts of the village, also appeared in front of Shoji and Fugaku.

Wenya, who also appeared in the original work and was considered to be exceptionally strong among the Jonin, was also seated at the bottom of the list.

Then there were two or three other Iwagakure seniors who were clearly from the same era as Onoki and had the most seniority in the village, similar to Konoha's Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Although these people were only at the level of elite Jonin to quasi-Kage at their peak, their status and seniority were still there.

They still have a certain amount of influence, which is the same in all villages. It's just that Konoha is a bit special, since no other village's 'elders' can reach the level of Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and especially Shimura Danzo!

"Lord Tsuchikage!"

"Gentlemen!"

Shoji and Fugaku, who were advancing step by step, had long been mentally prepared.

Take a step forward.

First, he bowed slightly to the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, who was seated at the head of the table. Then, he turned around and nodded to his 'colleagues' on both sides, regardless of their attitudes toward the Uchiha clan.

At the very least, as newcomers, the Uchiha clan could not afford to have any issues with their outward manners. And these people, including the most hostile Kamiya Ryūgane, all bowed in return, in front of Onoki, the highly respected Third Tsuchikage.

Even those who have objections must keep them to themselves here!

"No need for formalities, please sit down. Mr. Shoji, Mr. Fugaku, from today onwards, we are family. There's no need for such formalities between us. I called you two here today because there are some follow-up arrangements for your clan and some requirements from the village that I need to discuss with you in advance."

Onoki slightly raised his big, red nose, still wearing a faint smile on his face, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Yes!"

After Fugaku and Shoji each gave a reply,

He then took his seat directly opposite Onoki.

'Are there any follow-up arrangements or requirements for this clan?'

Although this conversation was expected by Shoji and Fugaku, Onoki's words sounded somewhat profound, especially considering the different expressions on the faces of the Iwa ninja elites on both sides.

Both Shoji and Fugaku felt a slight jolt in their hearts.

Is something about to happen again? But judging from Onoki's expression, it doesn't seem to be anything that requires special attention.

Unable to grasp the situation at first, Fugaku and Shoji sat down and exchanged a glance. They then resolved to be more cautious in their words and actions from now on, as long as they did not actually touch on certain bottom-line issues.

The Uchiha clan could accept and agree to some of the requests, as it was their duty. As early as when they decided to join Iwagakure, Shoji and Fugaku had already made the necessary mental preparations.

"So....."

However, although the conversation that followed did indeed greatly shock Shoji and Fugaku, the direction it took was completely different from what they had initially guessed.

This caused the two of them to switch between various "forms" during this "special meeting".

Two hours later.

This unusual conversation has finally come to an end.

Although there were no disputes during the meeting, the number of aspects involved was too large, and many details required preliminary agreement. Therefore, even though there were no major disagreements and agreements could be reached quickly, it still took two hours.

And when the meeting ended.

After bowing to Onoki, Shoji and Fugaku left the Tsuchikage's office building, each with a rather strange expression on their faces.

It's not that there was anything that Shoji and Fugaku couldn't understand or even accept during this meeting; it's just that the meeting went too smoothly and was too ordinary. The expected difficulties simply didn't occur.

Onoki, representing the village, made some obligatory demands, as well as the welfare benefits that the Uchiha clan might enjoy.

Everything is perfectly normal!

This should have been a happy development from the start.

For the Uchiha clan, stability and peace are the most important things at this stage, and nothing is more suitable for the Uchiha clan than the word "ordinary" right now.

But it is precisely because they are from the Uchiha clan.

The word "ordinary" seems slightly strange and jarring.

151. The most common arrangements and requirements

He stepped out of the Tsuchikage office building.

Throughout the journey, Fugaku and Shoji remained silent until they were almost back at their clan's encampment. Fugaku suddenly stopped, turned to Shoji, and asked, "What do you think, Shoji? Is this a test? Or..."

Hearing Fugaku's words.

A hint of hesitation crossed Jiang Si's face. His steps faltered, and he shook his head slightly, sighing as he replied, "I'm not entirely sure either. On the surface, this seems to be the most suitable arrangement for our clan right now. Even at the lower levels, some arrangements better align with our clan's current interests. Some obligations aren't entirely mandatory; it's a normal pairing of obligations and rights. But..."

You really can't blame Fugaku and Shoji for being paranoid.

The reason is that the Uchiha clan's current situation and position are very awkward and delicate, especially after the incident in Konoha. It is normal to subconsciously be suspicious of these things.

Of course, from a general and ordinary perspective, Fugaku and Shoji's suspicions are somewhat absurd and unfounded, because from beginning to end, Onoki made arrangements regarding the Uchiha clan based on 'basic common sense'.

There was nothing that exceeded the standard.

There was no deliberate attempt to make things difficult for the Uchiha clan.

Everything was done in accordance with the village's rules. Although Onoki was not entirely at ease with the Uchiha clan, Shoji, Fugaku, and others at this time, in Onoki's view, whose magnanimity and methods far surpassed Hiruzen Sarutobi, a good start was more likely to bring about the expected results!

If you want to test and examine the Uchiha clan, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. There's no need to do such petty things. The most important thing is to make the Uchiha clan feel a sense of belonging as soon as possible. All the other issues can be dealt with later. The key to fostering a sense of belonging is to treat everyone equally!

This was a conclusion that Onoki had deliberated over for a whole day before the Uchiha clan arrived. It should be noted that Onoki initially intended to treat the Uchiha clan well, not only in terms of living environment, but also in terms of future 'work environment', and even appropriately relinquish some of certain important powers.

However, the moment this thought arose, Onoki actively erased it, because he knew very well that such behavior was wrong. The right choice is to choose the position and the treatment one receives!

This is still for the average person.

Special groups like the Uchiha clan, who joined the village in the most unusual way during this "unconventional period," were truly courting disaster. They might have gained the favor of the Uchiha clan at first, but it was more likely to breed more problems later on.

It must be said that this was Onoki's wisest judgment. In reality, even with "normal treatment," Shoji and Fugaku were a little suspicious. If Onoki had directly proposed the first option, the two of them would probably have been completely confused and would have imagined a million "dangerous possibilities" in their minds!

Ōnoki was unaware of this.

Shoji and Fugaku themselves did indeed have some misguided thoughts, but fortunately, all of this was within a barely acceptable margin of error.

Therefore, after a pause in the preceding words.

Jiang Si continued, "However, it doesn't really benefit our clan. Being ordinary is indeed the best. I think we don't need to think too much about it for now. Let's just follow our own pace. Clan leader, the most important thing now is to get the clan members to adapt to the rhythm of Iwagakure as much as possible and cooperate in changing our style. Also, the ninjas in our clan should try to join the army as required by the Tsuchikage, including the issue of school enrollment for school-age children, etc. I think we need to reach an agreement within the clan as soon as possible."

Ordinary is best.

Even though there is still a slight worry, this start is much better than the previously predicted scenarios. In addition, Onoki gives a much stronger overall impression than Hiruzen Sarutobi. Of course, the possibility of a 'conspiracy' cannot be ruled out, but the probability is still extremely low.

The Uchiha clan needs Iwagakure, and Iwagakure also needs the Uchiha clan.

It's that simple.

Shoji found that sometimes it was best not to complicate things, because that would only create more problems.

"Yes, you're right. Let's gather the clansmen immediately to discuss the road back. Iwa... well, the village and the Third Hokage have already shown their sincerity. Now it's time for our Uchiha clan to show some results!"

Rest and recuperation are necessary.

Stability is also essential.

However, the existence of these established forces also requires the Uchiha clan to pay a price, such as the combat power of adult clan members including Shoji, Fugaku, and Shisui. Iwagakure needs the Uchiha clan to fight for the greater good and interests of the village.

This is the most crucial point of negotiation.

Both Shoji and Fugaku were well aware of this.

Therefore, while other issues can be set aside for now, this one requires serious attention.

Meanwhile, as Shoji and Fugaku returned to their clan with some doubts, preparing to convene a clan summit to worry their clansmen...

In the Tsuchikage's office.

These were almost all of the high-ranking Iwa ninja who had already dispersed.

Only Onoki and Hirotsuchi remained.

"Father, didn't you plan to send Jiang Si-jun and Shi Shui-jun into the Direct Anbu? Why did you change your mind at the last minute? Is it because..."

Huang Tu came to his father's side, leaned forward slightly, and asked with a hint of doubt. The words he didn't finish were already clearly understood.

"I didn't mean anything by it, I just think that treating the Uchiha clan normally is the best approach at this stage!"

Onoki raised an eyebrow, turned to look at his son, and said in a calm tone.

"ordinary?"

Huang Tu looked slightly taken aback.

“Yes, it’s just ordinary. You have to understand that humans are very complex creatures, especially here. Heart,” Onoki pointed to his heart, “It’s not a matter of good or bad, but a matter of differential treatment. Only being ordinary, normal, and balanced is the way to go. This is not only true for the Uchiha clan, but even more so for some people in our village!”

"Do you understand now? Loess!"

Onoki appeared calm, but his words carried a solemn tone.

It should be noted that during this period, Onoki still had high expectations for his son. His personal strength was already sufficient, and if he could further improve in terms of character, methods, and thinking, that would be even better.

There is a very high probability that he can inherit his position as Tsuchikage.

It's not that we're deliberately trying to establish a 'family-run' system, but that's just how things are.

152. Onoki's Expectations

There are quite a few Kage-level powerhouses in the village.