Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

The precocious Itachi naturally understood the clan's current predicament, and he also understood that the first and second steps were crucial to whether their clan could truly integrate into Iwagakure in the future.

Therefore, without any hesitation, he agreed to his father's request, willing to lead the next generation of children in the clan and guide his "brothers" and "sisters" into the Ninja Academy to receive instruction from Iwagakure.

Itachi was well aware that the burden on his shoulders was equally heavy. The behavior of the children could influence the entire ninja clan. The Uchiha children who were the first to enter the Iwagakure Ninja Academy would inevitably be subjected to extraordinary scrutiny, which was a completely different level of 'specialness' from that in Konoha!

When selecting the first children to enroll, the elders, including Fugaku, Sogen, and Genran, were extremely cautious. They were careful to avoid any problems, which were important issues from their perspective.

However, it's clear that they were being somewhat overly pessimistic.

To reiterate, Onoki is not Hiruzen Sarutobi, much less Danzo Shimura. When he made up his mind to accept the Uchiha clan, he did have an element of 'observation' involved, but he would never have gone to such an 'excessive' extent.

In the eyes of the Third Tsuchikage, the Uchiha clan was already a part of Iwagakure. It was precisely because he was so intimidated by Madara Uchiha's terrifying power that Onoki hoped the Uchiha clan and the Sharingan could become the strongest force in Iwagakure!

Therefore, in this respect, Onoki was more concerned than anyone else about the Uchiha clan's integration into Iwagakure. The power obtained by force is completely unequal to the power gained through active alliance!

Previously, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, the weakest Sunagakure, and other small and medium-sized ninja villages all hoped to take advantage of the Uchiha clan being hunted down by Konoha to steal a portion of the Uchiha clan's bloodline and then cultivate the Sharingan themselves. Onoki did the same, as this was one of the most direct ways to obtain the Sharingan.

However, this method also has obvious drawbacks—it is slow to take effect, has significant side effects, and most importantly, it is very likely that a lot of time, energy, and money will be spent without any results. Therefore, the best way is to accept members of the Uchiha clan with legitimate Uchiha blood. Now, Iwagakure has brought the entire Uchiha clan under its wing.

Having already secured the Sharingan bloodline limit, Onoki naturally cared more about the integration of the Uchiha clan than anyone else.

Not only will they not deliberately set up problems to increase the difficulty, but they will also try their best to 'assist' the Uchiha clan. The only thing that needs to be identified is whether there are any 'special people' in the Uchiha clan. But as the preface suggests, it will be limited to a controllable degree and scope. Under the pressure of Onoki's explicit demands and the advance sharing of some benefits, the traditional powerful ninja clans of Iwagakure, such as the Uesugi clan, are facing this situation.

They also wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for the Uchiha clan.

It can be said that the level of 'friendliness' shown by Iwagaku to the Uchiha clan far exceeded the expectations of Fugaku, Sōgen, and Chie.

However, their mindset is correct. If others show respect, we will show even greater respect. If everyone knows how to yield and leave room for maneuver, it is only a matter of time before the Uchiha clan integrates into Iwagakure and becomes a truly steadfast member of the village, especially when the overall mindset of the Uchiha clan changes.

This is a completely different treatment and situation compared to staying in Konoha.

After all, in Konoha, after the death of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju, the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju left Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura with a wrong information and judgment. In addition, the Konoha F4 were indeed somewhat "hopeless" in this respect. No matter how hard the Uchiha clan tried, they could never integrate into Konoha.

Not to mention Shoji, who was later 'kicked awake' by Danzo Shimura, even at the beginning of his transmigration, Shoji, who formulated the first plan, knew this well. Therefore, in his later conversation with Fugaku, he proposed that they must endure until Konoha selects the next Hokage and Jiraiya and Tsunade succeed him, only then will their Uchiha clan have a real chance to rise to prominence.

This plan cannot be flawed. At the very least, Jiraiya and Tsunade would never view the Uchiha clan with prejudice. They would focus on the facts, handling everything they see and encounter fairly and impartially. This is the kind of development the Uchiha clan most desires to see.

Unfortunately, their clan couldn't wait until then and was forced to leave Konoha. This was the tragedy of the Uchiha clan, but also their greatest fortune, because if they had stayed in Konoha, Shoji really wouldn't have been confident that he could have ensured the clan's safety until Tsunade and Jiraiya returned to succeed as the Fifth Hokage.

It's easy for problems to arise in the middle, so it's better to leave sooner rather than later, giving the clan and themselves more room to maneuver. Now that the Uchiha clan has chosen to come to Iwagakure, they are undoubtedly on the right path for their future.

With the approval of superiors and the absence of obstacles from below.

After initial cautious testing, the Uchiha clan members, who had entered various positions, gradually began their integration process!

Yadai, Guyuan, and others joined the village's garrison to return to their old profession.

Inahi, Tetsuhi, and a dozen other members of their clan were assigned to the southern border fortress to carry out fixed-term garrison duties, guarding against the Land of Wind and Sunagakure in the south.

As Shisui had expected, he became an Iwa ninja who took on high-level missions, and his partner was Bunga. This was also a result of Onoki's deliberate arrangement, including the Uchiha clan members who were assigned to various positions.

Provided that conditions permit.

Onoki always used his most trusted subordinates as intermediaries to guide these Uchiha clan members and help them get along better with the other Iwa ninja. Not to mention, the clan members who came out early were themselves calm and cautious.

Their inclusiveness is also the strongest among the clans, especially after being specifically instructed by Fugaku, Sogen, Genran, Chie, and others.

These people from the tribe are all doing quite well in their respective roles.

As for the position of general.

After the other members of the tribe had all 'taken their posts'.

He also received an imperial edict from the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

Become the vice-leader of the Jonin team in Iwagakure!

158. Arrangement

"Huh? You mean me? Becoming the vice-captain of the Jonin team? That doesn't seem like a very suitable choice, does it?"

The fourth day in Iwagakure Village.

Inside the Tsuchikage office building.

Jiang Si stood before the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, looking at him with a hint of surprise, and spoke in a slightly raised tone.

The Jonin Team, like the Anbu, is a department established by all five major nations and is one of the most important functional departments in the ninja villages. In some respects, the Jonin Team is even more prestigious than the Anbu, which is only slightly more special in terms of its status.

It can be explained very clearly in one sentence: only Jonin can join the Jonin Team, but it doesn't mean that any Jonin can join the Jonin Team!

In other words, only those who have a high status or extremely strong strength within a village are allowed to enter the Jonin class, and the leaders of the Jonin class are one head and two or three deputy heads appointed directly by the 'Kage'.

While the original work doesn't explicitly state other ninja villages, in Konoha, the leader of the Jonin squad was Nara Shikaku. Although Shikaku's individual strength was only average among Jonin, his exceptional intelligence and leadership skills earned him the trust of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and later the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. In terms of personal status within Konoha, he was second only to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura. Jonin like Kakashi and Might Guy were slightly inferior in status. Tsunade and Jiraiya are a different story.

Later on, they could even participate in various high-level meetings in Konoha and the official meeting in the Land of Fire to elect the 'Hokage,' which shows how important and high the position of the Jonin team leader is!

The vice-squad leader is the key figure who assists the squad leader in coordinating and handling various matters within the department. Often, the work of relaying information from top to bottom is handled by the vice-squad leader. After arriving in Iwagakure, Shoji learned that the Jonin squad leader in Iwagakure was Huang Tu, a person who was both highly skilled and experienced.

He was the most qualified Iwagakure ninja to serve as the leader of the Jonin team, which shows how important the Jonin team is in a village. Although Shoji had expected that Onoki would make special arrangements for him, even the Tsuchikage's direct ANBU felt that there was a certain probability. Although he didn't know the reason, Shoji could clearly sense that the Third Tsuchikage seemed to appreciate him very much.

The probability of him being asked to act as a close bodyguard is not low, or he might even become a squad leader in the Anbu, just like he did in Konoha. It is worth mentioning that after arriving in Iwagakure, the Uchiha clan, including Shoji, told Onoki everything they knew about Konoha. This was the most sincere pledge of allegiance from their clan!

In particular, since Shoji had served as a squad leader in Konoha's Anbu, even if Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely conduct some intelligence reorganization later, some useful information would still be exposed to Iwagakure!

It's important to know that within Konoha, there are several high-ranking spies among the Iwa ninja. Thanks to this, Shoji once thought that with the Third Tsuchikage's magnanimity, he would have a good chance of working in the Anbu. But he never expected to be in the Jonin class, and even a vice-class leader position!

Even though it's a position that doesn't have much real power and where personal prestige and the level of trust from the "Shadow" are the key factors, its apparent status is still very high!

Even someone with the wit and intelligence of a general would inevitably show a hint of surprise.

"Hehe, what? You don't want to, General Jiang? I think this position is very suitable for you!"

Onoki looked at Shoji with a bright smile and said with a laugh.

"No, that's not what I meant. It's that I..."

This is of course because I am new here, and we are still in the process of getting to know each other and testing each other!

You trust me so much, it makes me very nervous, Tsuchikage-sama!

Shoji looked at Onoki across from him with a slightly wry smile. He couldn't possibly say these words, but his expression still conveyed a similar meaning. The experienced Onoki saw through him almost immediately, and with a deep meaning in his eyes, he said with a smile, "Is Shoji-kun still worried about something? This is completely different from the you before!"

"Young people should be more unrestrained and daring!"

Words that get straight to the heart of the matter.

This is a slightly euphemistic way of putting it, but it is enough to convey the profound meaning behind everything.

Shoji was taken aback for a moment, then, meeting Onoki's smiling face, he took a deep breath and nodded emphatically, saying, "I was rude. Yes, I will obey Lord Tsuchikage's orders!"

With a forward bow, Jiang Si replied loudly with a resolute expression, "Whether it's a test or a sign of trust, there's no need for me to be so timid. I have the capacity and determination, and most importantly, I have already decided on the path. I have no reason to hesitate here."

They even chose to retreat.

Moreover, in Jiang Si's view...

This arrangement by the Tsuchikage may contain both trust and consideration. After all, the position of vice-class leader of the Jonin team is important in some ways, but not so important in others. It's not like he's the class leader!

This is a very 'appropriate' position.

Previously, Shoji was simply taken aback by the prestige of this "Jonin Team," but now that he has come to his senses, he can more or less understand the meaning behind his Tsuchikage's arrangement.

"Very good! I look forward to your performance. Jiang Si, Huang Tu, today you take Jiang Si to familiarize himself with the work procedures and processes!"

Onoki nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Huang Tu, who had been deliberately summoned before Shoji arrived.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"

Huang Tu and Jiang Si responded in unison.

Immediately afterwards.

The two bowed to Onoki, who was in the main seat, and then turned and strode away from the Tsuchikage's office.

Watching the two figures walk away.

A faint, bright light also shone in Onoki's pupils.

"This is the first step, and also the most important one. If you are truly trustworthy, it wouldn't be unreasonable to let you take this position in the future, Uchiha Shoji-kun!"

Although it was just a fleeting thought.

But in the end, it still left an indelible mark on Onoki's heart. In the vast ninja world, it was really hard to find a young person who could rival or even surpass Uchiha Shoji. If he had broadened his horizons and been more magnanimous, Uchiha Shoji's talent was enough to take on the responsibilities of a 'Kage'!

But the premise is that we must carefully consider whether this genius boy's mind, capacity, methods, and even his thoughts are worthy of the title 'Shadow'!

This is also one of the important reasons why Onoki decided to place Shoji in the Jonin team.

159. The Jonin Team! (Third Update)

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Another reason is to try to provoke his son, Huang Tu.

Whether from a rational or emotional perspective, Onoki still hoped that his son would inherit the position of the Fourth Tsuchikage. Shoji could only be considered a 'qualified' candidate, but not his first choice for succession.

Furthermore, the two are more than ten years apart in age. The best order would be for his son to serve as the fourth Tsuchikage for one or two decades, and then, when he is in his fifties or sixties, for his thirties, Shoji to succeed him as the fifth Tsuchikage. This would be the most perfect succession order.

Although it seems like just a future vision right now, it has a high possibility of being put into practice. As for Kurotsuchi, who served as the Fourth Tsuchikage in the original work, and the exceptionally talented Deidara, they were only five or six years old at this time, or even younger, and would not even be considered by Onoki. In the end, Iwagakure in the original work had no problems except that the next generation training plan had completely failed!

In the original story, by Naruto's generation, the strength of the Five Kage had become vastly different, with Kurotsuchi being the weakest. However, at that time, Iwagakure truly couldn't find a more suitable successor than Kurotsuchi. In this era, it's only been two or three years since the Third Shinobi World War ended, and Iwagakure is still riding high (they can be considered victorious, having even killed the strongest of the Three Kage, the Raikage!).

But Ohnoki also needs to consider this in advance.

He's already sixty years old. If he could, he'd like to retire now. He knows his own health best. Don't be fooled by the fact that in the original story, even after the Fourth Shinobi World War broke out, the over 70-year-old Onoki could still display strength stronger than that of a typical Kage. In reality, he was already on the decline!

A decline in physical fitness, and a decrease in strength at all levels.

A ninja's peak years are generally limited to around fifty years old, which is the stage at the beginning of the original story involving Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. Once they reach sixty, their strength will decline against their will!

Onoki had to consider the future of the entire ninja village.

Loess or General!

In all likelihood, Onoki will choose one of these two as his successor, and in the future, at most four or five years from now, he will let them inherit the title of 'Tsuchikage'!

Even though there are other seemingly excellent young people in the village, and the Uchiha clan also has Shisui who can be compared with Shoji, these people are obviously not within Onoki's consideration. The former need no further explanation, and the latter, in Onoki's eyes, is also quite different from Shoji. The comparison here is not based on strength as a ninja, but on other aspects of ability!

The title of Shadow is, of course, a representation of strength; those without strength are not qualified to bear the name of Shadow.

However, in addition to these qualities, one must also possess multiple other qualities to become a Shadow!

A broad perspective, a calm and rational mind at all times, excellent and keen insight, decisive and bold decision-making ability, as well as sufficient magnanimity and extraordinary methods, etc.