Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 123 The Amazing Promise Hiruzen Sarutobi Made to the Uchiha Clan

"Hiruzen!"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the sword to Isshin Uchiha, Danzo suddenly said in a low voice, "Shouldn't we reconsider? After all, it's a gift from Kirigakure, a village-wide gesture. I think we shouldn't make such a hasty decision—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Danzo a strange look.

Why is this person acting so irrationally?

"This Eye Flame Pill has already been handed to Uchiha Isshin, how can you reach out and take it back?"

Are you just kids playing house?

"Danzo, Isshin is an old man in the village—" Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and chuckled: "It's not that I'm trying to embarrass you, but it's useless to try this in front of Isshin."

"Besides, these are our own people—"

That's all.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Isshin nodded, meaning they were sorry for the poor performance.

Danzo stared speechlessly at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

This time, he really didn't want to cooperate with Hiruzen—

It was Danzo who truly had his eye on Uchiha Izuna's sword!

It's not that he wanted to keep it for himself.

Danzo realized that what his master said made sense.

The sword that Uchiha Izuna forged to fight against Senju Tobirama has now been sent to Konoha by Kirigakure as a gift.

If we use this to commemorate Tobirama-sensei, it will surely bring him great comfort in heaven!

Danzo knew more about the story of Tobirama and Izuna than most Uchiha.

The fact that Tobirama covered Danzo's retreat was an obsession that he could never forget throughout his life.

As a bodyguard, he caused the Hokage's death—

And he didn't even raise his hand immediately when he was covering the retreat.

Hiruzen was able to openly declare that he was willing to sacrifice himself for the Hokage—

Because he dared to stand up when no one else did.

But Danzo could not.

Because at that moment, the cowardice in his heart was real.

He can't fool his truest self.

Therefore, Danzo always wanted to do something to make up for his regrets.

For example, excessively imitating Tobirama Senju's hawkish style—

Upon seeing this knife, I naturally wanted to use it to commemorate my teacher.

Uchiha Isshin was speechless.

Upon hearing Danzo say this, his instinctive reaction was that these two old buddies were putting on an act again.

But that's what Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

But this left Isshin at a loss for how to respond—

How can you be so honest?

Furthermore, Danzo's expression didn't seem fake.

"Danzo's actions towards the Uchiha clan were bad at least nine times out of ten."

"But sometimes his bad behavior seems like a genuine expression of emotion, making it hard for me to tell."

Uchiha Isshin was beginning to waver.

Could it be that Danzo wasn't really targeting the Uchiha clan, but actually had some constructive ideas about Izuna's sword?

Otherwise, you shouldn't say that in this situation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly.

"The Hidden Mist's plan is nothing more than using the grudge between Tobirama and Izuna, and my status as their student, to force me to accept this sword."

"Their idea is indeed good. Having this sword would objectively benefit my legitimacy as Hokage, the so-called inheritance of my teacher's will—"

"But conversely, this sword was forged before Uchiha Izuna passed away, and if I accept it, it will definitely hurt the feelings of the Uchiha."

.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't beat around the bush; instead, he analyzed the situation with the others on the spot.

Sincerity can be a powerful weapon.

But this trick can't be used casually.

One needs sufficient prestige to calm down those with conflicted feelings and make them listen to one's words quietly.

Otherwise, when emotions run high, reasoning won't work.

And coincidentally, Hiruzen Sarutobi now enjoys a certain reputation within the village and the Uchiha clan.

Isshin and Fugaku nodded slightly, agreeing with Hiruzen Sarutobi's analysis.

"The long history of the Uchiha and Senju clans fighting each other is a fact—"

"But that's just how the ninja world is, and the same goes for the Sarutobi and Shimura clans—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi made a startling statement: "Tobirama-sensei killed Izuna, but weren't many members of the Senju clan killed by the Uchiha? Many of them, including my master's younger brother—"

"And Madara Uchiha, his contributions and harm to Konoha are both objectively true—"

"Without Madara, Konoha wouldn't have been established so quickly. Madara also participated in the capture of the Tailed Beasts, and he contributed significantly to deterring other hidden villages."

"But he also attacked Lord Hashirama, so how should that be handled?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Isshin and Fugaku and asked with a smile.

This is a perfect opportunity to coordinate with Tobirama-sensei's proposed drastic modification of Madara's Will—

Isshin and Fugaku instantly felt a dampness on their backs.

The Uchiha clan has always felt that they have been oppressed by the village and have been treated unfairly in every way.

The resentment had been building up for many years.

While it's true that they were suppressed, the Uchiha clan wasn't entirely innocent either.

They do have problems.

However, discussing Madara Uchiha's attack on the First Hokage would be extremely troublesome for the Uchiha clan.

"Lord Hokage, the Uchiha clan didn't follow Madara back then—" Isshin couldn't help but say.

"Isshin, Madara went directly to Lord Hashirama back then—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Do you think that even though the Uchiha clan is very strong, what can other people's intervention change in the battle between those two?"

"If the Uchiha don't interfere, Lord Hashirama naturally won't allow Konoha to interfere either—"

"Their story and bond need no further explanation."

"If Lord Hashirama loses, then Madara Uchiha will naturally occupy Konoha. But if Lord Hashirama wins, the Uchiha will still retain the reputation of not having participated in the war. Don't you agree?"

Yixin's breathing became heavy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed the truth hidden in history.

Back then, some members of the Uchiha clan were indeed tired of the cruelty of the Warring States period and did not want to leave Konoha, which had just settled down.

Another group held the idea that Hiruzen Sarutobi had mentioned.

They were all terrified of Hashirama Senju, knowing full well that they couldn't contend with that man's power; only Madara Uchiha might be able to fight him.

Moreover, Konoha is not without manpower, and in fact, it has far more than the Uchiha.

The fact that neither side takes sides essentially means that the Uchiha clan still holds the advantage.

Fugaku's forehead was already sweating.

He realized for the first time that Danzo's labeling wasn't actually that scary.

What's truly frightening is someone like Hiruzen Sarutobi, who calmly analyzes the interests and motives of both sides, laying all the actions clearly on the table and meticulously reconciling them—

The same applies to single-mindedness.

His thoughts began to wander.

His older brother, Uchiha Setsuna, rebelled under the banner of "Madara".

He claims to be the successor of Ban.

"This is terrible! Brother, what were you doing using the title of clan leader back then?"

"You've really dug a huge hole for me!" For the first time, Uchiha Isshin felt a little resentful towards his older brother Setsuna.

The name "Mokusatsu" was used to strike at the drop of a hat—

The protective layer protecting the Uchiha clan from following Madara was suddenly exposed after Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation.

Danzo was also stunned, looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Hiruzen, it's not just me learning from you, you're also learning from my strengths? You're even a bit better than me—" Danzo was both pleased and somewhat resentful.

Even his forte, labeling, has been surpassed—

Hiruzen, what exactly are you trying to do?!

"We won't go into details about what happened later, such as Uchiha Setsuna."

"7

Surprisingly, Hiruzen Sarutobi touched on the keyword "moment," but deliberately skipped it.

"Don't be nervous, these are just some of the bumps and stumbles that have occurred in the past development."

"The truth of the matter cannot be explained in a few words." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled gently. "I think the Uchiha are doing very well now. They have made many contributions to the village, including the police department, patrol units, and have performed excellently on the Kusagakure battlefield."

Isshin and Fugaku felt a slight sense of relief.

For some reason, a feeling similar to gratitude arose in their hearts.

"I'm telling you all this to explain Kirigakure's conspiracy. Their move shows they've figured out some historical issues between the Uchiha clan and the village."

"It must be said that Master Yuan and the Third Mizukage are quite clever in this regard."

"This is probably what they mean by practice makes perfect—the Hidden Mist Village has accumulated a wealth of experience in ninja infighting, and this move is a plan to strike at the heart of the enemy—"

"Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked with emotion."

Isshin nodded and agreed, "The Hidden Mist Village is indeed quite skilled in this area—they've been fighting each other non-stop since the Hozuki Gengetsu era."

Fugaku discreetly wiped his sweat, remaining silent and nodding repeatedly with an awkward smile.

In such a high-level situation, he was afraid that with his sharp mind, he might say something inappropriate—

Before he came, I had told him to talk less.

"But the fact that they can use this to attack us shows that this is indeed a hidden danger in the village."

"This is a problem that needs to be addressed—"

"The village's long-standing avoidance of discussing Uchiha Madara has been a bad thing."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "Anything that benefits Konoha should be acknowledged; anything that is wrong should be clearly pointed out and used as a warning and education."

"Since there's no definitive answer to this question, it will always leave room for speculation."

A big question mark appeared above Isshin and Fugaku's heads.

Why does this sound like Hiruzen Sarutobi is trying to exonerate Madara Uchiha?

Naturally, Isshin and Fugaku understood what "point out the problems" meant.

However, for the Uchiha clan, they were able to view Madara's situation with a relatively open and accepting attitude.

This is already incredibly good news!

Although the village never spoke of Madara before, everyone assumed that it was a stain on the Uchiha clan that could never be washed away.

"Hiruzen, do you know what you're saying?" Danzo said in a deep voice.

"Danzo, do you know who named Konoha?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in return.

Danzo said impatiently, "Of course it's the First Hokage—"

"No, it's Uchiha Madara—" Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

Isshin and Fugaku were stunned. Although they knew about this, they didn't really believe it.

On the contrary, Onoki next door kept repeating this to promote the Konoha threat theory.

"Hiruzen, you're kidding me!"

"Danzo, my teacher wasn't just Tobirama-sensei; the First Hokage also watched me grow up—" Hiruzen Sarutobi said gently, "That's what the First Hokage told me, and even if I were the Hokage, I couldn't easily change his words."

"Although it might sound like I'm showing off my seniority, I have indeed received care from two Hokage since I was a child."

"I don't blame you for not knowing some things, after all, you had little contact with the First Lord."

Danzo almost couldn't catch his breath, and his face felt slightly hot.

Damn Hiruzen!

They're trying to flaunt their seniority on him? But Danzo doesn't know how to refute it—

He had made sarcastic remarks about Hiruzen Sarutobi when he was a child.

Back then, Hiruzen knew how to be modest, but who would have thought that more than forty years later he would stop pretending!

"The Hokage truly is a man who inherited the will of the First Hokage!"

Uchiha Isshin quickly flattered, "To be recognized by two generations of Hokage is a rare honor, but if it's you, it's not surprising at all; you truly deserve it—"

"You flatter me, Isshin. Let's not talk about these things, let's not talk about these things!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly, but he was quite pleased with himself.

Who doesn't like to hear nice things?

Moreover, this also reflects the attitude of the Uchiha clan.

Even if it's an act—

But if you pretend for a long time and do things in a genuine way, then it becomes real.

"The fact that Madara Uchiha named Konoha signifies that he is an existence that Konoha cannot ignore. When we teach history to our children, can we avoid mentioning the Valley of the End?"

"The Valley of the End stands there. I, as the Hokage, will not destroy it, nor would anyone dare to do so."

"I believe that Lord Hashirama would not want to see Uchiha Madara removed from Konoha."

"As Danzo said, this is not a simple problem—"

"However, I look forward to resolving this issue once the time is right and the Uchiha clan performs well," Hiruzen Sarutobi said meaningfully.

Uchiha Isshin's pupils dilated.

He could understand the unspoken meaning in Hiruzen Sarutobi's words—

The characterization of Madara Uchiha and the numerous disputes that arose from it constitute a long-standing problem of suspicion between Konoha and the Uchiha clan.

If an official interpretation and announcement are provided, and both parties can accept it.

That is to unload the heaviest historical burden on the Uchiha clan!

"Lord Hokage, is this true? You really, really would—" Isshin, unusually flustered, asked in a trembling voice.

"Yes, I will." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was steady and powerful.

"Just wait and see how the Uchiha clan performs!"

Uchiha Isshin let out a long sigh: "I understand your concerns, and I will do my best to resolve them!"

In the present Konoha, although the Uchiha clan and the village's ninjas have begun to have deeper contact.

But the reputation that has been built up over the decades has not changed much.

There is no fertile ground in public opinion to make an objective evaluation of Madara Uchiha rashly.

Therefore, this matter can only be addressed when the Uchiha's reputation has fully recovered or when they have made significant contributions in the war.

He fully understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's predicament.

This time, he was truly grateful to Hiruzen Sarutobi for giving the Uchiha clan such a promise and opportunity.

This is a mountain that has been weighing on the Uchiha clan for far too long.

Uchiha Isshin had initially thought that this was a problem that might only be solvable in twenty or thirty years, once Aozumi had grown up—

But looking at it now, it could be done within ten years, or even within five if we're lucky!

If this problem is solved, Uchiha Isshin will become the clan leader who will be forever remembered by his clan.

They're aiming for fifth place in their historical rankings, and are even looking towards third!

It was achieved through sheer intellect, making it incredibly valuable!

At that moment, Uchiha Isshin suddenly understood why "Blue Water" wanted to reinterpret Madara's Will.

This coincided with what Hiruzen Sarutobi had thought.

"Seisui, at your age, you can already think about problems from the perspective and mindset of a Hokage?" Uchiha Isshin was greatly shocked.

Aozumi was able to predict what Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking!

What Yixin didn't know was that this wasn't Tobirama Senju's prediction, but rather Hiruzen Sarutobi's cooperation.

He saw it all in the crystal ball—

It's an exciting and mysterious Naruto combination technique!

Of course, this was also because Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that the historical issues of the Uchiha clan really needed to be resolved.

Otherwise, it will always be a hidden danger.

"I'm glad you understand, Yixin. I have high hopes for you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi changed the subject: "Regarding Tobirama-sensei and Uchiha Izuna, I also hope that we don't view their relationship with too narrow a perspective."

"They are mortal enemies, but also respectable opponents. The hatred is not innate, but rather a product of the environment of the Warring States period."

"The two of them were forced to fight because they were born at the wrong time. If they had both been born in Konoha at this moment, I believe that with their vision and wisdom, they would have been a pair of partners who resonated in harmony."

"A sword won't make Tobirama-sensei think he's better than Uchiha Izuna."

"Don't underestimate Tobirama-sensei's vision. He's a man who knows how to respect his opponents," Hiruzen Sarutobi said earnestly to Danzo, Isshin, and Fugaku.

Danzo was speechless.

Although I wanted to refute it, a voice deep inside me was stirring: "Tobirama-sensei, he really is that kind of person, a meticulous yet forthright and outstanding ninja—"

"This is not the same as your so-called 'Darkness of Ninja'! Do you really think you've mastered everything Tobirama-sensei has learned?"

Isshin and Fugaku nodded silently.

Although they don't want to admit it, it seems to be the truth.

Isshin was reminded of the Warring States period, when an Uchiha clan member denounced Tobirama Senju's despicable behavior, emotionally berating him as an incompetent coward—

He was sternly rebuked by Uchiha Izuna, who taught him to face the strength of his opponents.

It's understandable to criticize occasionally, but you can't really think someone is incompetent.

"Alright, that's enough for now, it was just a casual chat."

"Everyone's sweating, even though it's almost winter—" Hiruzen Sarutobi joked, "We should go check out the Ninja Academy, or at least have one last formality with the master."

"Lord Hokage, to show our utmost sincerity, the Uchiha clan has decided to donate the clan's money—"

"Isshin!" Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand. "Don't do that. You can add a little more to express the Uchiha's love."

"But don't overdo it, and don't disrupt the Uchiha clan's funds. I've also served as the clan head, so I understand that."

"Go back and talk to your people before making a decision, otherwise it will seem like I'm just making empty promises or trying to extort you—"

Uchiha Isshin was speechless and remained silent for a moment.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama—"

At that moment, Uchiha Isshin couldn't help but feel this sincerely.

Hiruzen Sarutobi truly lived up to his reputation as a man highly regarded by Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju since childhood.

His Will of Fire is like a combination of two people, possessing both sharpness and inclusiveness—

"He was renowned in his youth, but his spirits waned in middle age. Yet he rose again with renewed vigor and became a hero." The cultured Uchiha Isshin pondered to himself.

The changes in the Hokage over the past two years have been so great that they have surprised him.

But on second thought, after all, they were ninjas to whom the First and Second Hokage poured their hearts and souls. Perhaps their confusion and difficulties were actually an opportunity for them to break down and build anew.

This has precedent in the ninja world—

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked towards the Ninja Academy with his hands behind his back.

The pie in the sky for the Uchiha clan has already been painted—

Whether they can get any depends on their performance and abilities in the future.

If things can truly change, Hiruzen Sarutobi will keep his promise.

As the Hokage, he did not harbor any ill will towards the Uchiha clan, but was wary of their unpredictability.

However, when Tobirama Senju was reborn as the Uchiha clan, the possibility of things becoming uncontrollable was greatly reduced.

Therefore, it is natural to gradually loosen the restrictions on the Uchiha clan, allowing their power and spirit to further align with him, the Hokage.

Just like what Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo once said—

Fairness has power.

This principle still applies to the Uchiha clan.