The 4th Kage of the Stone and the Sand

"Lord 3rd."

"I know!"

"That damn brat!"

For the veteran 3rd Tsuchikage, known as fence sitter, it was a headache that 1000 of his shinobi sent to Kusagakure were killed by a single man.

Who knew Yellow Flash of the Leaf would be even more terrifying than one of the Sannin who already caused massive damage to his army.

And fact that Sakumo's son did so much damage alongside them

'Like they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.'

It would certainly be the worst assault in the Stone village history thanks to incompetent clan heads who lead shinobis to their grave at hands of the leaf.

"Lord 3rd, Yami-sama has arrived from the battlefield."

Fortunately, one of his disciples was competent.

Overly competent than he once thought.

After hearing his name, he relaxed.

Since war would been all but loss if his discipline didn't convince him to let take on a suicidal mission with his selective men.

It was a bet he placed on the battlefield and unexpectedly he hit the jackpot!

"Bring him in and don't forget to welcome him and others"

"As the Hero of the Stone."

***

"Brother quick, Yami-sama is here!"

A huge crowd was gathered in entrance of village

Hidden stone village.

Infamous for its rocky mountain ranges that surround the village provide a natural stronghold that it is very proud of that provides

And militaristic nature due to resources they can't spare to normal citizens.

Hence its the second village where only shinobi lived.

The Hidden village of the cloud was the first who adopted this mindset after the loss of both 1st Raikage and 2nd Raikage in the first Shinobi world war.

Konoha or Kiri who had an abundance of clan possessing Kekkei Genkai or Hiden, who can afford to have a civilian population.

Nonetheless, all were in a pleasant mood despite major casualties.

Despite the odds, their village has finally won and gained more than any village could.

Thanks to the discipline of the 3rd Tsuchikage.

A young shinobi in his early 20s who belongs to no clan.

Who came with his platoon consisted of 9 shinobi including him.

All were wearing standard attire of Iwa shinobi consisting of a red outfit having one or two sleeves, a lapel on the side that did not have a sleeve and a brown flak jacket that had a noticeable pouch attached to it and mesh armour around their ankles.

2 of them were Medical-nin.

2 of them were Genjutsu specialists.

1 of them were Taijutsu specialists.

1 of them were sensor.

2 of them were Jinchūrikis of the Stone.

While Yami was their leader.

Despite the initial well deserved skepticism of their plan, they succeed the most while having 1/1000th manpower entrusted by his sensei.

When his platoon finally arrived at the entrance, they received a warm reception by their fellow villagers who saw them as a glowing hope for their village.

Even the Jinchūrikis were recognised by their efforts in contrast to the village's usual attitude towards them.

While all were enjoying the moment, Yami was eerily smiling towards the office of Tsuchikage's, the highest building of the rocky village.

'Hope no one survived in Kusagakure.'

As his trickery was noticed.

Of course, he made multiple counter-measure to silence them, for good.

"Yami, what are you thinking?"

"Nothing Roshi, just surviving the whole ordeal feels unreal."

Roshi, one had a 4th tail chuckled while Ham quickly came to Yami's side.

"Well, submitting 6 nations to our village was no feat, especially Sunagakure."

Han still vividly remembered the Golden dust of Rasa, the 4th Kazekage, that was glistening.

It was a quiet battle.

Nonetheless, his dust was finally covered by his blood.

And his allies, Chiyo, Sasori, Baki and Pakura were under Kirara and Seikei genjutsu.

And next was history.

"Anyway, don't forget to come to the Tsuchikage office or he might be pissed."

Other members rolled their eyes at Gari's statement.

They doubt Lord 3rd would be harsh after having this feat.

Yam I smiled at him and confronted him.

"Don't worry Gari, Lord 3rd is lenient."

"Fine Yami..."

So the whole day, they were enjoying their walk and interaction with their village.

It's not everyday they are greeted as warmly as today.

'Though other 6 villages are cursing our names profusely.'

Yam smirked while thinking about the future.

'As long as I succeed, this village will be second only to Konoha, by a small margin, if I ignore the bullshit power they have.'

***

"Well done Yami."

"You are too kind Kamizuru Sensei."

"I was just doing my duty."

Despite his usual fake politeness, Lord 3rd did not mind.

Even Lord 1st and Lord 2nd will ignore his behavior as his achievement was greater than them combined.

"After looking at the achievement, the council decided to award your platoon members a new rank using input from Yami."

"Deserving to be called the Elite Jōnin."

It was an honorable title, usually used by Yami's old world to describe certain strong Jōnin.

He felt pleased after hearing it, as the difference between Jōnin was too high..

While others felt honored and emotional after hearing it.

Especially the medical-nin, Genjutsu specialist and sensory Ninja who was dismissed by others just because they were lacking in combat and inadequate in kenjutsu.

"And Yami, due to your leadership and unconventional tactics, Daimyo of the Land of Stone was pleased by your achievement."

"And in honor of your performance, I have decided to relinquish my seat to you.

"So don't disappoint me, the 4th Tsuchikage of the Hidden stone."

Everyone present clapped to congratulate Yami.

It was not everyday to see their fellow colleagues promoted to the most esteemed position.

Anyone in his position would be overwhelmed by it.

Except, Yami was still waiting for his sensei.

Because he was still greedy for more.

"And yes Yami, you also have full authority of the Academy as the principal."

Yami sighed in relief internally and finally smiled while others were confused by his late reaction.

'Even though it didn't sound like much prestige, I very much knew the importance of it.'

He graduated from the Academy and knew how inadequate the curriculum was in general.

Not a joke compare to Konoha, but still quite lacking

'I may not produce Kage level shinobi before Obito strikes for tail beast, I can at least get a number of Elite Jōnin on my Arsenal to prepare his eventual attack .'

As today is just the beginning to his plan, he waited for 15 years to execute.