Chapter 338: The Three Kage, Wise Enough to Know When to Yield—Prepare to Return to Konoha!

Uchiha Jin wasted no words.

He clearly understood the principle that to make a horse run, Itachi must let it eat grass.

Interests matter!

All other empty promises are meaningless and cannot win true loyalty, so right now he did not speak of grand ideals, nor of sacrifice or devotion…

Uchiha Jin reached this point because so many were willing to follow him as their leader—not just because of his absolute strength, but because he never made empty promises and always rewarded those who worked.

Facing the three Kage before him, he had no interest in building rapport or making friends; his first words were about interests.

The three Kage stared blankly.

Clearly,

they had never expected the current Hokage of Konoha to open with anything other than pleasantries—and instead dive straight into interests.

But upon closer thought, it made sense.

After all, the current leader of Konoha was Uchiha, and everyone knew the Uchiha’s temperament.

Do Itachi believe him?

Of course!

After all, the very name “Uchiha” was more binding than any promise.

Realizing this, their hearts instantly settled.

“Hokage, thank Itachi!”

“I won’t say more—I, Iwa, sincerely join Konoha, and from now on, I’m willing to serve Itachi.”

“If Itachi need anything from this old man, just give the order.”

“I trust your character—Uchiha’s reputation is worth this price!”

Old and shrewd, Oonoki saw things with perfect clarity.

Their three villages had voluntarily chosen to merge with Konoha; Hashirama’s successor, Tsunade, was more than enough to deter the front lines—logically, Uchiha Jin, as Hokage, had no need to come here personally.

But he came.

That alone was extraordinary, especially considering that since yesterday, Konoha’s relocation speed had gone insane…

Both facts clearly indicated that Konoha’s situation had changed, and they needed to resolve matters here as quickly as possible.

Add to that: Uchiha Jin summoned them and, without pleasantries or small talk, immediately spoke of interests.

There was no need to think—it was obvious he needed their formal commitment, and their help in the coming actions.

How to choose?

No need to consider!

First, Uchiha’s reputation stood firm—he, Uchiha Jin, was trustworthy.

But more importantly—he had no choice left.

Countless civilians, ninja families, even ninja themselves, had already been scattered into the Land of Fire; even if they regretted it now, what could they do?

So,

after careful thought, he made the most suitable choice.

Meanwhile,

upon hearing Oonoki’s declaration, Mei Terumi and Gaara, though slower to react, quickly voiced their own positions.

“Sunagakure agrees too!”

“Kirigakure has no objections—we’re willing to follow the Hokage’s orders!”

“I trust Uchiha’s reputation, and thank the Hokage for this declaration.”

“Should the Hokage give any command, Gaara will obey!”

“…”

Gaara and Mei Terumi spoke with equal seriousness.

Though they still didn’t fully grasp what had happened, they shared Oonoki’s same conclusion…

Their villages’ ninja, families, and civilians had all been scattered and relocated—already fully inside the Land of Fire.

Even if they wanted to back out now, it was impossible.

So,

better to accept the situation and follow orders.

“Hmm, good.”

“With your assurances, I’m at ease.”

“I won’t hide it from Itachi three—Konoha may soon face a major war.”

“The leaders of Konoha’s five major battle zones have already secretly returned to Konoha; when Itachi return, select a group of strong ninja and send them back secretly.”

“Konoha will send guides to lead them.”

“But Itachi three don’t need to travel—Itachi’ll be the last group to move, and we’ll use Flying Thunder God to get there.”

Uchiha Jin smiled, pleased with their response.

Then,

after finishing official matters, Uchiha Jin arranged a feast and drank lightly with them, granting them proper respect.

The next day, afternoon.

The three had organized their elite teams, hidden by Konoha Anbu, and began quietly moving toward Konoha.

The remaining front-line affairs were now under Tsunade’s command.

Inside the tent,

Oonoki and the three Kage entered—but when they truly saw who was inside, they froze.

Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze?

Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju?

What the hell?

Weren’t these two long dead?

All three Kage stood stunned, then a cold dread crept over them.

No wonder!

Konoha already had too many strong figures on display—Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the older generation; the younger generation had Kakashi and others.

Hyuga, Aburame, Nara, Akimichi, Inoichi…

Though the great clans didn’t show themselves, each was formidable.

More importantly—Uchiha!

Fugaku and Shisui, two Mangekyo users; Uchiha Jin himself, as clan head and Hokage, was terrifyingly powerful.

And now they saw Tobirama Senju and Minato Namikaze—two beings even stronger than most Kage!

If these two could be revived, what of Konoha’s other deceased ninja?

Kakashi’s father, Hashirama’s wife…

Even—Hashirama Senju!

Thinking of this, the three Kage grew even more reverent toward Konoha.

They now felt even more certain that merging with Konoha was the right choice—this Konoha was so powerful, even if their three villages united, they couldn’t break through even one of its battle zones, let alone the whole village!

“We’re all familiar with each other, so no introductions needed.”

“Time is urgent—let’s go.”

“Tsunade…”

“I leave the front line to Itachi!”

Tsunade nodded, having no objections—it had been agreed upon already.

Then,

Minato Namikaze stepped to Gaara’s side: “Kazekage, let’s go.”

Gaara nodded.

Then,

Minato placed his right hand on Gaara’s shoulder—and both vanished from the tent.

On the other side,

Oonoki approached Tobirama Senju: “Second Hokage, it’s been a long time!”

“I never imagined that little brat would grow into an old man,” Tobirama said, arms crossed, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.

Oonoki, hearing this, felt a pang of emotion.

He still remembered when Konoha was first founded—he had accompanied his master, the Second Tsuchikage Mu, to Konoha for the first Five Kage Summit, and had seen this very man.

But he never thought—

he’d live to see Tobirama Senju again, and that he still looked exactly as he had then.

“Let’s go.”

Tobirama said no more, placed his hand on Oonoki’s shoulder, and both vanished instantly.