Saving the Uchiha clan starts with becoming the clan leader.

"This is the latest intelligence. The target is quite skilled; even the Anbu (secret police) dare not follow him too closely. We can only roughly determine the target's location. You will need to search for his exact whereabouts when you arrive. And most importantly, don't forget, I want him alive."

Zongxian took a stack of documents out of the drawer and tossed them to Bai.

Bai reached out and took the document, immediately opened it and began to read through it, memorizing the intelligence information on it.

"Lord Hokage, may Karin and Jugo accompany me?"

After reading the contents of the document, Bai cautiously made his request.

"Karin's sensory ninjutsu is amazing. With her help, I can pinpoint the target's location more quickly. Jugo has mastered Sage Mode, making him both powerful and resilient, and he can be put to use when necessary..."

"can."

Zongxian readily agreed.

He looked up at Bai and said, "I told you last time that Karin is a descendant of the Uzumaki clan. As long as she doesn't do anything illegal or disorderly, I can ensure her a comfortable life, considering the contributions the Uzumaki clan has made to Konoha. As long as she doesn't object to acting with you, that's fine. As for Jugo... take him if you want. If you keep him here, I'll have to send Jonin to keep a close watch on him to prevent him from going berserk. It would be best if you could keep him under control."

Karin and Jugo are, strictly speaking, quite valuable.

Both the Uzumaki family's bloodline and the innate power to become a Sage are extremely precious treasures. They could be used for propagation or scientific research, but... Konoha cannot do that.

The Uzumaki clan is, after all, an ally of Konoha.

Moreover, it is an ancient clan with a history of thousands of years, just like the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. The fact that such an ancient clan has declined to such a state inevitably makes the Uchiha and Hyuga clans feel sorry for each other. Even though the Uzumaki clan mostly assisted the Senju clan in fighting against the Uchiha clan in the past, it does not prevent the clan members from feeling sympathy for the Uzumaki clan.

In particular, since Sogen vigorously promoted the idea that the destruction of the Uzumaki clan was largely due to the inaction of the Third Hokage, it would be even less likely that Karin would be harmed in the slightest.

As for Jugo... Orochimaru has almost thoroughly researched him. The 'cursed seal' technique is Orochimaru's research result. With Orochimaru himself and the large amount of research data he provided, Jugo's importance is what it is. Even Karin's ability to move freely is due to a similar reason.

Don't say anything else,

While Hiruko was using White Zetsu to create the 'Fake White Cloak', Orochimaru was also developing the Black Cloak based on Karin's Kagura Mind's Eye ability to conceal her aura. Compared to the White Cloak, which required White Zetsu as raw materials, Orochimaru's Black Cloak was more difficult to manufacture, but it was not limited by the raw materials.

Currently,

The Anbu had already made its love for these two cloaks clear. Shisui, the head of the Anbu, would visit the production base every few days, as if he wanted to devour every single cloak produced, even though these cloaks were originally intended for the Anbu's use.

However, they can't all be left to the Anbu.

Such a useful item can be equipped not only by the Anbu but also by the Jonin! After all, this cloak, which can conceal one's aura and evade detection by most sensory ninjas, is incredibly useful, proving effective for both infiltration and escape.

Even Bai received two black cloaks before setting off.

Of course, it could also be said that the item was returned to its rightful owner. As Orochimaru's number one assistant, he had a share of everything Orochimaru researched, as long as it wasn't unique. He already had the black cloak, and now it was just a matter of returning the items that had been taken from him.

Bai didn't care about this.

He doesn't care about these things.

Now, all he wants is to work honestly for Konoha, atone for his sins, and see if he can help Lord Orochimaru so that Lord Orochimaru can be treated better and stay in Konoha in peace, and hopefully not have any more disloyal thoughts.

To be honest,

He had no regrets about following Lord Orochimaru on his wanderings. To repay Lord Orochimaru's kindness, he was willing to die for him. But... from the bottom of his heart, if he could stay in Konoha and live out his life in peace, it would be far better than that life of wandering.

He enjoyed the liveliness of Konoha.

I like the popularity of this village.

The longer I stayed in those dark, sunless secret bases, the more I came to love the warmth of basking in the sunlight.

to this end,

Being driven by the Sixth Hokage is perfectly acceptable.

He knew very well that these people were, in the end, sinners who attacked Konoha, and it wouldn't be so easy for them to enjoy this peaceful and prosperous era in Konoha. Only by making enough merits to atone for their past crimes could they truly stand tall and stroll leisurely through the streets of Konoha.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Zongxian, are you really... going to do this?"

Zhi Shui asked with a complicated expression.

"of course."

Zongxian replied calmly, "No matter how many times you ask, I will not change my mind."

Hearing this unwavering answer, Shisui's expression grew increasingly troubled. The day was drawing ever closer, and with only ten days left until the final round of the Chunin Exams, the other four Kage and the leaders of the various ninja villages would soon be heading to Konoha.

At that time—

If Zongxian doesn't change his mind, Konoha might find itself surrounded by enemies on all sides in no time.

This flourishing situation may very well vanish in the blink of an eye...

"Alright, Shisui, is this all you called me here to say?" Seeing Shisui standing in front of him in a daze, Zongxian couldn't help but tap the table to remind him. "If there's nothing else, go do what you need to do. I believe the Anbu has many matters waiting for you to handle."

"Something happened."

Shisui, who had just come to his senses, put aside his pessimistic thoughts and got down to business. “It’s about the First and Second Generation Lords. They have decided to return to dust today. They said that if you have time, you can go and see them.”

"I thought they were going to wait until the Chunin Exams were completely over before they planned to be buried."

Zongxian muttered something to himself, then stood up. "Since the two seniors are leaving, we should see them off. Zhishui, where are they now?"

"The old house of the Senju Clan."

Shisui mentioned a place that hadn't been mentioned for many years.

The Senju clan's old residence... is not far from the Hokage Building. In fact, the Senju and Uchiha residences were practically neighbors at first. After all, it was Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara who jointly built Konoha Village. The two powerful clans, whose strengths were roughly equal, naturally occupied the territory closest to the political center of the Hokage Building at that time.

However, as times changed, the Uchiha clan migrated once during the reign of the Second Hokage, and later the Third Hokage used the Nine-Tails' attack as an excuse to completely drive the Uchiha clan to the edge of the village. However, compared to the Uchiha who were constantly being relocated, the Senju clan's situation was not much better.

This powerful clan, which had been entangled with the Uchiha for countless generations, seemed to have exhausted all its essence after producing an unprecedented genius like Hashirama Senju. The clan experienced a significant talent gap, and in order to pacify the ninja world, the Senju clan sacrificed many members, resulting in losses far exceeding those of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.

While Hashirama Senju was still alive

The Senju clan is still managing to maintain a semblance of dignity.

However, after Hashirama Senju passed away, Tobirama Senju hastily took over. Although the power was still in the hands of the Senju clan, the decline of the clan could not be easily reversed. After careful consideration, Tobirama Senju dismantled the Senju clan and completely integrated the once-famous Senju clan into Konoha.

then,

The name of the Thousand Hands is no more.

At the same time, dozens of small and medium-sized families emerged in the village.

Even now, Tsunade, Hashirama Senju's granddaughter, has given up using the Senju name. The Senju clan's old house is now completely vacant. While Tsunade was alive, the ownership of this place belonged to her, but if she doesn't leave any offspring, after her death, the Senju clan's old house will most likely become the village's public property.

Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju, two dead men who lingered in the human world, chose this former residence as their final resting place.

“I died here back then, and I never thought I would have the chance to experience the same thing again.”

Hashirama Senju sat cross-legged on the corridor, gazing at the familiar scenery in the courtyard.

This used to be his courtyard. He took his last breath on the tatami mat in the room behind him. At that time, he was worried about whether the ninja world could remain peaceful and whether his death would bring any bad changes. As it turned out, his death opened the prelude to the Ninja World War. However, he never thought that he would return to this place one day.

"This is the first time I've experienced what it's like to die in a village."

Tobirama Senju, standing to the side, said something expressionlessly.

"By the way, Tobirama, you died outside the village!"

Hashirama Senju suddenly realized.

In response, Tobirama Senju could do nothing but give his elder brother a cold look.

"For you, Second Hokage, it must not be something unacceptable to dedicate yourself to the village." Zongxian appeared at one end of the corridor and strode over with Shisui by his side. "Please forgive my lateness, seniors."

"Sixth Boss, you've arrived!"

Hashirama Senju waved and greeted him with great pleasure.

The Second Hokage never liked Sogen, even though he thought Konoha was doing quite well now and hadn't been messed up by a Hokage from the Uchiha clan. But dislike is dislike, and he could never bring himself to like the Sixth Hokage.

"Seniors, are you preparing to leave already?"

Zongxian didn't mince words and immediately asked the question.

"Well, we're not really living people after all. Staying in this world for too long isn't a good thing. Besides, we've seen almost everything we wanted to see these days. It's time to say goodbye to this world and go back to where we belong."

Hashirama Senju answered frankly.

"...Are you really not planning to meet Tsunade-senpai?"

“She’s gone. Tsuna… she’s not a child anymore. What would she do with me? Although I, her grandfather, haven’t taught her much, I’ve actually let her pick up my bad habits.” Hashirama Senju smiled helplessly as he said this, “But she’s already done very well. She doesn’t need me, her grandfather, to give her any condescending advice anymore. Her own life… should be her own responsibility.”

Zong Xian was not surprised to hear this, and immediately said, "Then, I wish you two seniors a safe journey."

"Haha, yes, yes."

Hashirama Senju burst into laughter.

Amidst that laughter, his body began to crumble, specks of dust drifting in all directions.

"Sixth Hokage, don't be careless when facing Uchiha Madara."

After leaving behind these words, Tobirama Senju also released the Impure World Reincarnation technique. His soul was freed from the shackles of this decaying form and returned to the underworld to sleep peacefully. Only two corpses that had begun to decay severely and dust remained in the corridor.

[Chapter 453 Target, Four-Tails Jinchuriki]

The two previous Hokage bid farewell to the ninja world with grace. They lingered in this world for more than twenty days, ultimately choosing not to interfere in anything. Although the current Konoha does not entirely match their ideals, this is ultimately no longer their era.

They were, after all, different from Madara Uchiha, who was deeply obsessed with his beliefs.

As former victors, their mentality and views were naturally different from those of Madara Uchiha, who had lost the battle and was bewitched by Black Zetsu. Even Tobirama Senju ultimately chose to let go, not because his elder brother was watching him, but because he believed that there was little meaning or use in staying.

Again,

This is no longer their era.

Instead of trying to interfere and cause trouble for the Sixth Hokage, it's better to just let go. With the Sixth Hokage around, there's no need to worry about the village's future. As for Madara Uchiha... there doesn't seem to be anything to worry about. After all, Madara's background of being misled has been investigated, and that guy will most likely meet his end in bitterness.

that's it,

The two previous Hokage departed silently.

Konoha Village was completely unaffected and remained as bustling and prosperous as ever. Everyone in the village was talking about the Chunin Exams finals in a few days. Daimyo from small countries and leaders of small ninja villages had already arrived in Konoha, making the atmosphere in the village even more exciting.

However, not everyone enjoys this bustling and prosperous atmosphere.

The white-collar worker received the order, found Jugo and Karin, and the group quickly left Konoha, heading rapidly towards the Land of Rice Fields in the north. The intelligence indicated that the target was in the northern coastal area of ​​the Land of Rice Fields, but this was only temporary. The target had been wandering around for years, and if they arrived too late, the target might have gone far away, and they would have to follow him around again.

We still need to achieve the objectives of this operation as soon as possible.

This was the first task assigned to him by the Hokage, and he had to complete it as well as possible.