"Third Generation Tsuchikage, what do you think of our proposal? If you agree, we can handle persuading the Hidden Cloud Ninja..."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke up. During this mission to persuade Onoki, it was mainly him speaking, while Nagato's Deva Path Clone mainly served to represent the 'weight' of the Akatsuki Organization.
After all, Nagato is not yet twenty years old, and although he possesses power above that of a typical Kage-level powerhouse thanks to his Rinnegan, his eloquence is far inferior to that of Uchiha Fugaku.
"I thought you came to me for something important, but it turns out to be just this, huh..."
Onoki chuckled lightly, then took another sip from his tea cup before continuing to speak to Uchiha Fugaku: "You want to unite the two Great Ninja Villages, just to guard against Konoha? Kid, I know you're from Konoha, but what do you think the Hidden Rock Village is?"
"It's you who's underestimating Konoha's strength, Third Generation Tsuchikage."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke solemnly: "In the battlefield of the Land of Hot Water, that was not the true strength of Uchiha Yoichi. Being part of the Uchiha Race, I understand the power of the Sharingan more than anyone else; the current Uchiha Yoichi is probably twice as powerful as he was three years ago in that battle!"
Onoki paid a bit more attention to this statement, but still frowned at Uchiha Fugaku and said, "Fierce-eyed Fugaku of Konoha, why should I trust you..."
"You can rest assured of this; Mr. Fugaku could never be a spy."
The Deva Path Clone spoke up: "We managed to kill the Yellow Flash, who the Hidden Rock Ninja feared, thanks to Mr. Fugaku's help, so you don't have to worry about this, Third Generation Tsuchikage..."
"Heh..."
Onoki changed the subject: "Even so, the Hidden Rock doesn't need an alliance with the Hidden Cloud."
"The Hidden Rock Village will be destroyed!"
"What did you say, you scoundrel, do you know where you are!"
After Uchiha Fugaku said that, Onoki did not get angry, but the other Hidden Rock Ninjas became furious; if it weren't for them being in the Hidden Rock Building, they would have already attacked Uchiha Fugaku, this guy who can't watch his mouth.
Uchiha Fugaku continued speaking calmly: "This is just a fact; years ago, Uchiha Yoichi made it impossible for the Hidden Rock and Hidden Cloud, two Great Ninja Villages, to do anything, and now... Third Generation Tsuchikage, do you remember Uchiha Madara? I believe Uchiha Yoichi will give you the same feeling as Uchiha Madara."
Crack!
The teacup in Onoki's hand was suddenly crushed. How could Onoki forget the name Uchiha Madara?
Back then, while he and his master were on their way to Konoha, they were humiliated by Uchiha Madara, and if it weren't for the later arrival of the First Generation Hokage, the first Five Kage Summit might never have been held.
Onoki's memories of Uchiha Madara are unforgettable, and he then thought of Roshi and Han, as well as the Four-tailed and Five-tailed, who have yet to be revived.
"Fine, I'll agree to it, as long as you can convince that Hidden Cloud kid, I will agree to unite with the Hidden Cloud."
Onoki suddenly hit the table, his voice suppressing the other Hidden Rock Ninjas, continuing to speak to Uchiha Fugaku: "But you should be careful not to end up angering that Hidden Cloud kid so much that he kills you, heh heh..."
"We will naturally be careful about that, Third Generation Tsuchikage."
Onoki glanced at Uchiha Fugaku and probed further: "I never expected the former clan leader of the Uchiha Race to betray so completely. Now, I'm even more curious about what happened between you and Konoha."
Uchiha Fugaku clenched his fists, then spoke expressionlessly: "Everyone has their own pursuits, Third Generation Tsuchikage...."
After speaking, he and Nagato's Deva Path Clone departed.
Once they had left the Hidden Rock Village, Nagato's Deva Path Clone spoke up: "Mr. Fugaku, is going to the Hidden Cloud Village very dangerous?"
"It should be said that persuading the Hidden Cloud to ally with the Hidden Rock is very dangerous. The death of the Third Generation Raikage is not unrelated to the Hidden Rock..."
Uchiha Fugaku began to speak. At that time, he was still part of Konoha's leadership and knew the causes of the Third Generation Raikage's death; though he was killed by Konoha, the Hidden Rock Village was not uninvolved.
Strictly speaking, it was Konoha's instigation and the Hidden Rock's propulsion that combined to kill the Third Generation Raikage; the current Fourth Generation Raikage likely knows this as well, and surely harbors hatred in his heart for both the Hidden Rock Village and Konoha.
However, Uchiha Fugaku still had some confidence, because a competent Kage must first think about their village.
Now, the Hidden Cloud Village has encountered an annoying issue; their Jinchuriki power trial sacred land, Turtle Island, has disappeared.
The village also has a missing Jonin, and it just so happens that this missing Jonin knew the intelligence about Turtle Island, causing the Hidden Cloud to place their suspicion on Konoha Ninja Village.
Not many Ninja Villages need a Jinchuriki power trial sacred land; it's unlikely to be the Hidden Rock, leaving only Konoha and the Hidden Mist; however, then the Hidden Cloud conveniently obtained information about the Hidden Mist, which was engaging in a severe period of national isolation, refusing any external exchanges.
Thus, it seems that the one who stole their Hidden Cloud Village's Turtle Island Jinchuriki power trial sacred land could only be Konoha.
The Fourth Generation Raikage was extremely furious upon receiving this news, but they currently have no way to deal with Konoha. Having lost two wars to Konoha, now they can only vigorously develop military equipment and train new generations of ninjas.
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Kushina's resistance, along with other voices, gradually disappeared.
"Even though I really want to... never mind, let's go back first. There will be many opportunities in the future."
Uchiha Yoichi fed Kushina a recovery elixir, and after she had somewhat recovered, he gently patted her on the back.