Chapter 18: We Must Help Uchiha

Returning to the clan, Izuna Uchiha’s mind was filled with Chu Yang’s cold and ruthless words. He was unwilling to accept them and still hoped to persuade Madara Uchiha to overturn the agreement.

Madara remained silent for a long time before finally saying, “Go see how the clan reacts, then come back and tell me your decision.”

So Izuna wandered alone through the streets, using a transformation jutsu to avoid disturbing the residents.

It was near dusk, and under the glow of the setting sun, smoke wafted up from every household’s kitchen.

The scent of everyday life gradually eased the tension in Izuna’s nerves, which had been taut from the recent war.

He heard laughter.

Turning his head, Izuna saw a group of children running past him, laughing and playing.

The laughter came from their joyous frolicking.

But it wasn’t just that...

Clan members came laughing from all directions, passing by Izuna as they chatted about daily matters, punctuated by bursts of laughter.

It was like a gentle melody, slowly entering the ear and soothing the soul.

This was a scene long absent from Izuna’s memories. He had thought such moments would only return if the Senju clan was utterly defeated.

Yet, with the news of the two great clans ceasing hostilities and forming an alliance, the shadows cast by war were rapidly fading.

Izuna stood there in a daze.

Feeling the vibrant life bustling around him, a complex swirl of emotions welled up inside.

He realized he might have been wrong. If he persisted, his true adversaries would no longer be the Senju clan.

Instead, they would be his own clan members—those who had long yearned for peace.

Originally opposed to the alliance, Izuna finally bowed to the weight of the people’s will.

He no longer obstructed the union between the Uchiha and Senju clans.

Before long, news of their alliance spread throughout the ninja world, sending ripples through various factions.

The two clans set aside their grievances and joined hands to build the first ninja village in history, fulfilling the vision of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

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But new troubles loomed...

While the Village Hidden in the Leaves was bustling with construction, clans and common folk alike busied themselves with the election of the village’s first Hokage.

Public sentiment naturally favored Hashirama Senju.

Yet Chu Yang offered a different suggestion to Tobirama Senju.

“The clan leader will surely vote for Madara Uchiha. Teacher, you might as well do the same and cast your vote for Madara,” Chu Yang said with a sly smile, like a cunning fox.

Tobirama immediately grew wary. “Boy, do you know what you’re saying? If something goes wrong and Madara actually becomes Hokage, all the hard work my brother has put into building the Leaf Village will be ruined!”

Chu Yang explained, “Teacher, you must have investigated the Uchiha clan’s opinion of Madara—it’s at rock bottom. If it weren’t for the clan leader repeatedly emphasizing Madara’s importance to the village, he wouldn’t be able to hold the clan in check.”

“In that case, how many would truly choose him as the first Hokage? Your votes and the clan leader’s are merely a lifeline.”

“Even if you genuinely want Madara to be Hokage, the people below won’t agree. The first to oppose would be those Uchiha members who want Madara out.”

Hashirama’s wish to step down would never be accepted; the people would hold him tightly to his position. That’s how he came to wear the yellow robe of leadership.

Tobirama pondered for a moment before asking, “Is this part of your plan to win hearts and minds?”

Chu Yang chuckled, “We can win over some Uchiha members to accelerate internal division and isolate Madara. Then, we can embrace him and help him find a sense of belonging with us.”

He nodded, lowering his voice, “A Madara bound by family and friendship, working hard within the Leaf Village—wouldn’t that be far better than a Madara abandoned and consumed by hatred?”

A cold breeze seemed to pass by, raising the hairs on Tobirama’s arms.

He understood that Chu Yang intended to bind Madara tightly with emotional chains.

Would it work?

Tobirama couldn’t be sure—Madara was an ambitious man—but without a doubt, this plan was all gain and no loss for the Leaf Village and the Senju clan.

Even if it failed to achieve the desired outcome with Madara, they would still come out ahead.

Encouraged by Chu Yang, Tobirama approached Hashirama, who was troubled by the election, and told him he intended to cast his vote for Madara.

Hearing this, Hashirama looked at his younger brother as if he were a stranger. “What’s gotten into you? This isn’t like you at all...”

“First, you release the Uchiha members early, and now you say you’ll vote for Madara. What exactly are you trying to do?”

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Tobirama’s mind flashed with some of Chu Yang’s words. Forcing a smile that barely resembled one, he said, “I want to use this to mend the rift with the Uchiha clan.”

“Although the Uchiha have surrendered, their strength remains. They are the most powerful clan after the Senju. If they cannot integrate into the Leaf Village, they will cause great trouble in the future.”

“Therefore, I want to repair our relationship and find a way to help them integrate.”

Saying this, Tobirama was almost moved, not to mention Hashirama, who had long been striving for the same goal but lacked universal understanding.

What power is greater than the support of family?

“Tobirama, I’m glad you think this way. Let’s work hard together!” Hashirama clapped his brother on the shoulder, his weariness lifting.

Neither of the brothers knew...

Outside the room, someone had just overheard their conversation.

It was Madara Uchiha, who had come to discuss the Hokage election with Hashirama but had “accidentally” heard their exchange.

Madara didn’t expect Tobirama—who had always been hostile toward the Uchiha—to do such a thing for their sake.

As for Tobirama’s warning that the Uchiha might cause trouble in the future...

Isolated within the clan, Madara suddenly found himself understanding Tobirama’s concerns.

Certain traits hidden deep within the Uchiha could never be eradicated and might grow wildly during certain times.

Like betrayal.

Deeply shaken, Madara went home and without hesitation told his brother Izuna what he had learned.

Izuna was equally shocked.

Recalling Tobirama’s earlier change in attitude, a complex mixture of emotions flooded him.

The next day, witnessed by other clans, the Senju brothers and the Uchiha brothers did something that left everyone stunned.

They cast their votes for each other!