Iwagakure, Tsuchikage's office. Ōnoki of Both Scales stared worriedly at the continuous stone mountains outside his window.
Konoha's Wood Release reappeared. Tsunade had also ended her wandering, returning to the village to take charge. Sarutobi Hiruzen ultimately still had successors.
Then, what about Iwagakure's Fourth Tsuchikage?
Setting the successor problem aside temporarily, more vexing matters currently troubled him.
The two jinchūriki, originally fairly compliant, recently also seemed harboring different thoughts.
Arguments between him and Rōshi grew increasingly frequent with progressively intense words. During these disputes, Han, originally inclined toward maintaining neutrality, displayed subtle tendencies making him somewhat uncomfortable.
What made him vaguely uneasy was the joint Chūnin Exam hosted by Sunagakure, Cloud Village, and Konoha.
Currently joint exams. What would this develop into later? Would it ultimately become a situation where among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Kirigakure and Iwagakure faced isolation while Wind, Fire, and Lightning connected in a line?
Ōnoki understood clearly that western front continuous pressure on Sunagakure probably could not continue. Iwagakure needed making new choices for the future.
Guarded by an entire Uchiha ANBU squad, even while still imprisoned, Uchiha Enblade's resistance had already dropped to minimum.
He longed to prove his innocence, more so wishing to find the true thief and recover the clan's Sharingan.
However, Itachi guarding him seemingly had no intention communicating, only silently and dutifully executing his mission until that person's arrival.
Seeing Uchiha Itachi's former squad leader appearing at the entrance, Enblade involuntarily tensed.
Though the opponent proved younger, displayed strength and status could not be underestimated—whether immense chakra quantities, outstanding battlefield performance, or his special authority commanding Hokage Tower ANBU within the village.
Village status also proved sufficiently high because he could command ANBU within the Hokage Tower.
"Uchiha Fuha and Uchiha Yasai's remains were already retrieved by Uchiha Fugaku."
Enblade almost instinctively demanded, "What about their eyes?"
"Still under investigation."
Shuji said flatly, "Calmed down now?"
Uchiha Enblade lowered his head. The clan's plan was at a critical period. If causing conflict with this specially positioned figure now, it might very likely affect the entire Uchiha's arrangements, rendering companion sacrifices meaningless. He must endure.
"Though the village's attitude more inclines toward believing you are not the eye thief," Shuji looked at him, saying, "procedurally speaking, bearing major suspicion means you no longer suit continuing ANBU mission execution."
These words stung Enblade's nerves. He involuntarily raised his head in rebuttal. "I swear on Uchiha honor! Absolutely could never do such things to companion remains!"
"I'm willing to accept Sharingan examination. The clan head can prove my innocence."
Truly bearing the reputation of stealing companion eyes while returning to the clan proved worse than dying on battlefields for Uchiha Enblade.
Shuji quietly observed him, only speaking after moments. "The village does not wish severely punishing meritorious personnel. Since you insist so..."
He paused slightly, as though weighing.
"Then, one more chance for you."
"You will be temporarily transferred into Uchiha Itachi's squad."
"He will verify your statements and judge whether you still possess qualifications continuing in ANBU."
After saying this, Shuji did not linger, turning and exiting the interrogation room.
Having Uchiha Enblade return to the Police Force proved the worst choice. After all, initially transferring these people was precisely because their minds were full of Uchiha, unwilling to accept Police Force concessions.
Currently, Hyūga clan members' adaptation within the Police Force already proved less than easy. No need adding extra pressure.
However, directly dispatching Uchiha Enblade again to dangerous front lines appeared too harsh. This was not how proper organizations should conduct matters.
Then, temporarily placing him under Itachi's command, having Itachi supervise and observe, became the currently suitable choice.
Simply put, his hands were not ruthless enough. If sufficiently ruthless, handling would prove simpler.
Of course, though saying hands were insufficiently ruthless, in this matter, his methods also proved quite dirty.
Regarding sending documents negotiating with Kirigakure, after Tsunade consulted former Hokage, now advisor Sarutobi Hiruzen, she deemed it feasible.
Therefore, on the day Shuji handled Uchiha matters, Konoha's diplomatic documents were formally dispatched, expressing willingness for peace talks with Kirigakure.
Tsunade originally held little hope for this. However, unexpectedly, Kirigakure's response speed proved extremely fast.
In their reply, the other party even proactively provided suggestions regarding negotiation location—selecting Konoha's southeast, Tea Country's other affiliated mainland territory.
That area counted as Konoha's regular sphere of influence while simultaneously not too far from the tense Wave Country situation.
As the one originally proposing Kirigakure contact with several effective negotiation experiences, Shuji was summoned to the Hokage's office.
Tsunade handed him Kirigakure's reply to review.
Shuji quickly scanned once, evaluating, "Location choice appears to show some sincerity."
"I also think so," Tsunade nodded. "Selecting that position, probability of Kirigakure secretly arranging and playing tricks proves much lower."
If Obito wanted borrowing negotiations to cause trouble, the best location undoubtedly proved Wave Country-type unmanaged zones or directly demanding Konoha dispatch envoys to Water Country mainland for talks.
Tea Country's position obviously proved more convenient for Konoha's advance arrangements and monitoring.
From information this reply revealed, Uchiha Obito's control over Kirigakure probably truly experienced problems, possibly even losing leadership.
"This Kirigakure negotiation, I'm inclined having you lead the trip," Tsunade stated her decision. "Eastern stationed forces will provide necessary cover and support."
She looked toward Shuji, inquiring, "How about it? For this mission, any other needs or concerns?"
Shuji briefly contemplated. Personally contacting Kirigakure people to see what exactly happened would better allow judging Kirigakure's subsequent circumstances.
Even if these negotiations truly were traps, he possessed means escaping battlefields. Moreover, among eastern front forces, Kakashi and Uchiha Shisui existed as support.
Especially Kakashi. Until the Moon's Eye Plan entered later stages, Uchiha Obito only appeared before him with "Uchiha Madara" identity.
Before this, Obito seemingly constantly deliberately avoided direct contact with Kakashi.
"No other problems," Shuji nodded in agreement. "I will prepare properly."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild