Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Therefore, Jiang Si didn't care what awaited him on this path; he only knew that in order to survive in this world, he had to do this.

After arriving in Iwagakure and settling down completely, Shoji was finally able to have some peace and quiet. His daily routine consisted of going to work, regular training, and occasional research on Wood Release cells.

Everything is still in its early stages, especially the research on Wood Release cells, since the amount obtained from Orochimaru is not very large, although there are plans to go back to Orochimaru to get more benefits in the future.

However, it would be best to cultivate them independently!

Only in this way, with a continuous supply of research materials for Wood Release cells, can one have the resources to carry out subsequent research.

Therefore, in the initial research phase, what Shoji needed to understand most was some fundamental issues about Wood Release cells, even if it meant sacrificing some Wood Release cells.

But this is clearly a huge undertaking, especially since the general has absolutely no prior experience and is completely clueless.

Often, the beginning is the hardest part.

The repeated failures made Jiang Si's expression extremely ugly. Even though he had prepared himself mentally, after yet another fruitless attempt, his face instantly darkened, becoming as black as the bottom of a pot.

"Is there something wrong with the information Orochimaru provided?! If they can't even get their heads up, how can we talk about the follow-up?!"

In Iwagakure, the Uchiha clan's stronghold, Shoji, having finished his day's work and returned home, sat in his study after dinner, once again immersing himself in the research of the First Hokage's Wood Release cells.

Shoji originally planned to use some important research data obtained from Orochimaru to carry out his experiments, but he found that he couldn't find any clues and had wasted more than a quarter of his Wood Release cells.

"It seems we need to rethink our approach. If we can't even grasp the basics of Wood Release cells, there's no way we can proceed with cultivation and further research. We need to consider this from a different angle!"

Si closed his experimental notebook, looked at the Wood Release cells placed aside, and sighed inwardly.

In this life, I have absolutely no experience in this area, let alone in my previous life—they were from completely different 'dimensions'!

If this approach doesn't work, I'll have to consider whether I should hire a researcher!

Or we could just grab that bastard Orochimaru!

Anyway, in the original story, this guy was instantly killed by Itachi's Mangekyou Sharingan with just one look! If it were me, I probably wouldn't have much of a problem!

Jiang Si thought to himself with a slightly fierce determination.

However, that's just a figure of speech and not very realistic. Even if you could actually capture him, could you really expect him to work obediently for you? It would be better to consider what kind of intelligence or useful things you could use to trade with this 'Snake Uncle'.

At least this method is somewhat reasonable!

"Well, there's no need to rush. Let's take it one step at a time. There's still plenty of time, and at worst, we still have a final solution, right?"

Gently squeeze Si's right hand, then release it.

After carefully hiding the research data and Wood Release cells, he devoted himself to the work he was responsible for in the Jonin team.

More than half a month has passed since Iwagakure arrived.

It took more than ten days for Shoji to join the Jonin class.

These days...

Shoji gradually adapted to the living environment of Iwagakure and the working environment of the Jonin class.

169. Adaptation and tacit understanding

After carefully saving my most important material and information.

Jiang Si was completely focused on his work. It must be said that after all, it was one of the five great ninja villages, with a lot of messy affairs. As the most important permanent organization in the village, the Jonin team had to collect and summarize a mountain of information every day. Jiang Si's job was to process this information as the 'first step' and provide solutions according to the corresponding standards within his responsibilities.

Beyond his duties, he would summarize and report to Huang Tu, the squad leader. In certain necessary situations, he also had the authority to mobilize the village's security forces to handle some unconventional incidents. These were the duties and responsibilities of the deputy squad leader, but the latter basically ignored them!

Or rather, at this stage, Shoji only intends to fulfill his duties and will not easily use the power that belongs to his 'position'. This is a matter of attitude. At least within his own clan, before he and his family have fully integrated into Iwagakure, this part of the matter needs to be handled with utmost caution.

This was also the most crucial requirement that Tsukasa had raised earlier at their clan meeting: to take, one must first give. If the Uchiha clan wanted to truly establish themselves in Iwagakure, they had to prove that they could bring substantial benefits and a bright future to the village and that they were sincere in wanting to integrate into it.

Moreover, the fact that Iwagakure, or more precisely, the Third Tsuchikage, dared to accept the Uchiha clan in such an almost unrestricted manner was itself a risky decision, and this old man had already shown his sincerity.

Even though the Uchiha clan currently only receives the most basic treatment in Iwagakure, as mentioned before, it is precisely because they are the Uchiha clan that such 'basic treatment' is all the more precious. At least, they didn't receive such treatment in Konoha, the village they founded and where they have lived for fifty years!

While it may seem like he could take control of the entire security department, it was more like a cage that restricted and isolated the Uchiha clan. Shoji was very grateful to the Third Tsuchikage. Fugaku, Shisui, Elder Sogen, Elder Genran, and most of the Eighth Hokage and Kogahara's generation also held similar sentiments.

They were treated with sincerity, and it was only right for their clan to reciprocate. Besides, they were still in the process of getting to know the village, so it was always better to be cautious.

During his time in the Jonin Team, Shoji went to work at the same time every day, only handling the tasks assigned to him. He would not easily ask for anything else. During the regular Jonin Team meetings, Shoji would try not to speak unless Huang Tu asked him questions or reported on the progress of his work.

Such a performance was unexpected, not to mention those like Kamiya Ryūgane and Iwata, who were originally waiting to see if the Uchiha clan would cause any trouble. Even Kouta and Date were caught off guard. When Kouta reported the relevant information to his Tsuchikage father, Ōnoki remained calm.

It was as if this development was foreseeable.

Moreover, this wasn't just limited to the Generals; other Uchiha clan members in various positions also performed their tasks with silence, almost mechanically. This is inherent to the Uchiha clan: they are warm and affectionate towards their own clan, but it's indeed difficult for them to communicate with outsiders. Although many Uchiha clan members have experienced varying degrees of change in their mindset after this major upheaval.

However, this kind of personality, which is deeply ingrained, cannot be changed overnight. Shoji, Fugaku, and others have never forced their family members to greet any outsider with a smile, because that would not be the style of the Uchiha clan!

These shortcomings will be made up for by people like Shoji, Fugaku, and Shisui. The next generation's upbringing can also slightly change the image of the clan. It is enough for this generation to show outsiders the serious and dedicated side of the Uchiha clan!

They are willing to serve Iwagakure and fight for the greater good of Iwagakure!

Once this attitude is demonstrated, it is more important than anything else.

Onoki could also see this from the behavior of the hundreds of Uchiha clan members led by Shoji and Shisui. It could be said that this was beyond Onoki's expectations to some extent, but it was clearly the development that the Third Tsuchikage most wanted to see.

A sense of belonging!

This is the most important attribute for contacting people and villages!

If everything goes smoothly, it won't be long before the Uchiha clan truly develops a sense of belonging to Iwagakure, and the dutiful, serious, and earnest Uchiha clan will gradually be accepted by the people of Iwagakure!

Only then will Iwagakure truly possess the qualifications and power to contend for supremacy in the ninja world!

Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, had a prestige comparable to or even surpassing that of the First Tsuchikage who founded the village. This was one of the biggest reasons why Onoki ultimately decided to accept the Uchiha clan. The more experienced an elder is, the more he values ​​things like reputation.

These are things that only Onoki himself clearly understands. No one else could have Onoki's thoughts and perspectives unless they sat in Onoki's position. The same is true for Hikari. It's not that Onoki didn't trust Hikari.

That's his only son!

Rather, it means that when Huang Tu can figure out these things on his own, even if it's only half of them, then he will be qualified to inherit the title of 'Shadow', and Onoki can rest assured to unload his burden and retire to enjoy his old age!

This is why Onoki values ​​Shoji so much. Even if things aren't explicitly stated, Onoki can understand some things through Shoji's eyes. Compared to his own son, who is not exactly stupid but is certainly somewhat simple-minded, Shoji is much more astute.

This is precisely the quality that a qualified leader must possess.

Every move Jiang Si makes is the best solution within his capabilities, achieved after seeing through the surface to the essence.

After entering the Jonin class, he realized that this was not only a test for himself, but also an opportunity for himself and his clan.

Jiang Si also changed his pace once again.

It can be said that since that meeting, Onoki and Shoji, the old man and the young man, have reached a tacit understanding in many ways and in many aspects. As Onoki gradually appreciates Shoji, Shoji also respects Onoki more and more and gradually develops a sense of trust.

170. The First Mission

It can be said that Tsukasa and even the Uchiha clan are integrating into Iwagakure in their own unique way without causing any ripples. The Uchiha clan themselves are unlikely to cause trouble, and with Onoki exerting heavy pressure from above, those Iwagakure ninja who dislike them or are inherently hostile can't do anything.

They couldn't possibly provoke them, which was a completely different concept from Konoha. In Konoha, the Uchiha clan was always viewed with suspicion and distrust by high-ranking officials like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura. But in Iwagakure, even if Onoki didn't trust the Uchiha clan that much, he would treat them all equally, and that was all he needed to do.

That's more than enough for the Uchiha clan.

Those who harbor hostility cannot and will not provoke trouble before the Uchiha clan reveals any weaknesses; doing so would only bring unnecessary trouble upon themselves. Therefore, they can only watch as the Uchiha clan gradually and steadily integrates into Iwagakure.

Shoji is very satisfied with his and his clan's current living and working environment. It can be said that this is ten or even a hundred times better than Konoha. The strong sense of stability and security is more important than anything else.

Shoji's low-key performance in the Jonin team also won the favor of the Iwa ninja who were initially neutral, which somewhat eliminated some of their previous prejudices and made Shoji's work in the Jonin team much easier.

However, even though he was in a functional position like the Jonin team.

However, the work that needs to be handled is not just the village's 'civil service'. Under normal circumstances, even a squad leader like Huang Tu may need to personally lead a team to carry out A-level or even S-level missions, and Jiang Si is no exception.

This is not!

Three months after joining the Jonin class.

Shoji finally got his first A-rank mission in Iwagakure!

In the Tsuchikage's office.

The third Tsuchikage directly issued the mission face-to-face.

This is a mission related to the power struggle within a neighboring country. Moreover, this is not a small country. In terms of land area, it is comparable to the Land of Earth. It also has its own ninja village, although it is very weak. The overall national strength of the country is probably less than one-twentieth of that of the Land of Earth, and the power disparity between the ninja villages is extremely large.

However, it is one of the few countries in the ninja world that has its own ninja village. It can be considered a country in the middle ranks. Such countries often try to allocate some of their domestic mission quotas to their own ninja villages in the hope that they can become stronger as soon as possible. However, if they encounter a difficult mission, they will be at a disadvantage.

They still need to ask other countries for help, which is very common in the ninja world.

This time, the mission that Shoji needs to undertake is the Snow Country, which is far away on the sea frontier and is not unfamiliar to fans of the original work!

This is a country surrounded by the sea on three sides and far from the central continent. Although it seems from the original work that this country should be a maritime country, and closer to the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Water, it makes no sense that a mission would be issued in the Land of Earth. However, in reality, the northern part of the Land of Earth also has a long coastline. Starting from there and traveling along the northeastern route, the time it takes to reach the Land of Snow is not much longer than that of the three countries, and the same is true for the Land of Wind in the south.

The five great nations all have coastal territories, making it possible to reach the Land of Snow directly. Of course, in terms of distance, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water are indeed closer.

It should be clarified that distance is not the main reason why employers issue missions; rather, it depends on the strength and credibility of the ninja village.

Before this, Konoha was naturally the most powerful and reputable village in the ninja world, followed by Kumogakure and Iwagakure, then Kirigakure, and finally Sunagakure. The employer who came to Iwagakure in the Land of Earth to issue the mission this time was obviously influenced by the previous war between the Uchiha clan and Konoha, and the subsequent Uchiha clan joining Iwagakure.

Because, if the general remembers correctly.

In the original work, this mission in the Land of Snow was originally issued by the daimyo of the Land of Snow, Kazehana Hayate, who sent his trusted subordinates to Konoha. The person who carried out the mission was none other than the famous Hatake Gougo!

In this life, the original storyline clearly changed again here. The monarch of the Land of Snow was affected by the recent series of events, and his trust in the village of Iwagakure clearly shifted to Iwagakure. He felt that the Iwagakure ninja were the ones who could better fulfill his mission requirements.

'It seems the plot is indeed slowly changing, and everything that follows is probably unknown. The original storyline can only be considered a reference now. Fortunately, some key information can still play a very important role!'

As Tsukasa stood in the Tsuchikage's office, he seemed to be listening attentively to Onoki's explanation of the key details of this national mission, while silently thinking to himself.

"Here are the requirements for this mission and some points to note. The envoy sent by Lord Fuuka, the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, is the Minister of the Interior of the Land of Snow. They seem to be urging us quite closely. It would be best if we could set off tomorrow. Go back today to make some necessary preparations, and then depart tomorrow morning!"

Ohnoki looked at Shoji and said.

"Tomorrow? If I heard correctly, that Minister of the Interior only arrived this morning, right? It seems the situation in the Land of Snow is quite tense?"

Jiang Si blinked slightly and said.

The fact that Kakashi was able to reach the Land of Snow ahead of time in the original story, and later even escaped back to the Land of Fire with the young Kazahana Saya, is enough to prove that Kazahana Saya had already noticed some of her younger brother Kazahana Noutō's little tricks, and even realized that there would be a rebellion on the other side. The reason why she went to Konoha to issue the mission was to add an extra layer of insurance. However, she probably did not expect that the Hidden Snow Village, which should have obeyed the Daimyo's orders, would fall completely into the control of Kazahana Noutō.

The balance of power was completely reversed. Kakashi, alone and helpless, was forced to flee with Kazahana Saya, watching helplessly as she died in the internal strife and coup.

In this life, Feng Hua Zao Xue probably still holds the same view, and the 'guard mission' written in the scroll is the best proof of that.

Mission objective: To protect Kazahana Sayayuki, the daimyo, and Kazahana Koyuki, the heir.

The time limit is one month!

The reason why he didn't directly issue a higher-level mission to help him quell the internal riots was probably because, firstly, Kazama Sayayuki had a certain degree of confidence, and secondly, he didn't want internal affairs to be interfered with too much by foreign forces.