Madara Uchiha!
The mighty figure who had founded Konoha alongside the First and brought peace to a war-torn world!
Back then, even Ōnoki had been no more than a child before Madara Uchiha!
And judging by the strength and abilities Uchiha Sora had displayed, Ōnoki now believed he might one day reach even Madara Uchiha's level!
The meeting finally adjourned.
Ōnoki looked at the exhausted Kitsuchi and said, "Thank you for your efforts this time. The mission's failure wasn't your fault. As Tsuchikage, I bear greater responsibility for the loss of over a thousand men. If I had gathered more intelligence on Uchiha Sora beforehand, if I hadn't grown so blind and arrogant in recent years, I would never have decided to launch this surprise attack on Kusagakure."
"Dad, what do we do next? How do we make them pay for all those losses?" Looking at the guilt-ridden Ōnoki, Kitsuchi couldn't help saying, "I was the only one to return. I doubt I can give everyone in the village an explanation they'll accept."
"Yes, how are we supposed to settle this score?" Ōnoki sighed, his voice heavy with age. "But I understand the message Uchiha Sora sent back with you. It seems he intends to put down roots in Kusagakure. If we continue taking action against Kusagakure, we'll thoroughly enrage him."
"And the Flying Thunder God Mark he placed on you was also meant as a threat to me."
"He may be young, but his thinking and methods are remarkably seasoned. This time, even I have no choice but to dance to his tune," Ōnoki sighed. "After all, you're my son!"
With his son's life in Uchiha Sora's hands, Ōnoki dared not make any rash moves until the Flying Thunder God Mark on Kitsuchi had been completely removed.
"As for