harleyscars Chapter 166 Clash
Chapter 166 Clash
Chapter 166 Clash
Minato Namikaze's intention in having him and Kakashi Hatake attend this core meeting was self-evident: to get them to take a stand on the Uchiha side, or at least on the position of "giving them another chance," in order to balance the two advisors' hardline stance.
Kakashi Hatake, needless to say, has the heavy bond with his beloved Obito Uchiha, so he could never possibly direct his anger at the entire Uchiha clan.
Meanwhile, Minamoto Takuno thought quickly. In the past, his relationship with Uchiha Fugaku was relatively harmonious, and he had never shown any obvious bias.
In Minato Namikaze's mind, even if he wasn't a staunch supporter of the Uchiha clan, he certainly wouldn't stand against them.
The situation is now very clear: the two advisors and elders have clearly taken a stand against the Uchiha clan, and Minato Namikaze, as the Hokage, cannot directly show an overly biased stance towards the Uchiha clan in order to maintain neutrality and appease all parties.
Therefore, the responsibility of breaking the deadlock and forming a balance of power naturally fell on his and Kakashi Hatake's shoulders.
Gen Takuno felt a bit of a headache and glanced at Kakashi Hatake, who was arguing fiercely with Homura Mitokado and trying to defend the Uchiha clan.
"This is really troublesome." Yuan Tuoye sighed inwardly, knowing that he could no longer stand idly by.
He took a deep breath, adjusted his tone, and looked at Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, joining this "battle" that was destined to have no outcome.
"My two senior advisors, I am not trying to completely deny your views. As your juniors, we naturally have the deepest respect for the Second Hokage's research and analysis on the Uchiha clan, and we have absolutely no right to easily question his authority."
Kakashi Hatake leaned against the shadows in the corner, his face obscured by a mask, making it impossible to see his expression. But his eyes, the only part of his face visible, were wide open in shock, with disbelief churning deep within his pupils.
He stared intently at Yuan Tuoye, who stood in the center of the conference room. To him, the senior's words at that moment were nothing short of a silent betrayal—a betrayal of his teacher's trust.
Faced with Kakashi's silent questioning, Gen Takuno remained calm, seemingly unaware of the scorching gaze.
His opening remarks were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, but they did not create much of a ripple on Minato Namikaze's face.
The Fourth Hokage sat upright in the main seat, his azure eyes calm as still water. He understood Minamoto no Takuya and knew that this was by no means the final attitude, and there would definitely be a turning point later.
The two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, did not show any reaction to Takuno Minamoto's words about the research on the second generation.
A sense of relief emerges from the "respect".
They also keenly sensed the "but," their sharp eyes fixed on the head of the intelligence department.
As expected, Yuan Tuoye abruptly changed the subject, his voice rising several decibels, carrying an undeniable firmness: "But!"
"We must never forget what the fundamental will of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was in establishing Konoha Village, which was the core of his life's work."
It was to end the blood feuds and conflicts between families, and to unite all ninjas of different bloodlines and all clans burdened with different destinies.
I believe this must include the Uchiha clan as well. It's remarkable that they were able to put aside their hatred, understand each other, unite as one, and jointly protect this hard-won homeland under this roof!
He looked around, his gaze finally settling on the two advisors, and questioned, "If today, simply because of the shadow of history and potential anxieties, we regard the entire Uchiha clan as outcasts and completely exclude them from the village..."
Doesn't this completely betray the First Hokage's original intention in establishing Konoha? The high walls we built with our own hands ultimately sever the very bond of equality that the First Hokage dreamed of!
"Absurd!" Koharu slammed her hand on the table, her aged voice trembling sharply with anger. "Times have changed! Captain, don't try to confuse the issue!"
Moreover, if it weren't for that damned Madara Uchiha's betrayal back then, brutally murdering the First Hokage at the Valley of the End, how could the First Hokage have—how could he have died so young!
At this point, anger burned in her aged eyes.
"Advisor," his voice was steady and clear, "I have also repeatedly studied that long-forgotten historical record."
However, the information I've interpreted may differ somewhat from the conclusions you two have reached.
He paused slightly, then emphasized, "The records clearly show that when Madara Uchiha decided to betray Konoha and turn against the village, the entire Uchiha clan did not choose to follow him. Instead, they resolutely remained in the village, choosing to live and die with Konoha!"
His gaze swept over the two advisors, then over the pensive Minato Namikaze and the shocked Kakashi Hatake, and he spoke with a resounding tone.
"This fact is precisely the most powerful proof of the First Hokage's dream!"
It clearly demonstrates that even the Uchiha clan, which is considered "heretics" by some, has a vast majority of members who cherish the hard-won peace and bonds of the village.
Yes, there may be unorthodox and extreme individuals among the clan members, like Madara Uchiha, but this is by no means the norm for the Uchiha clan!
Individual instances of darkness should not become a cloud hanging over the entire community, much less a reason to deny their collective identity!
Mitokado pushed up his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose, his gaze behind the lenses gleaming with a rational yet stubborn light.
"The captain's analysis does have its merits. I'm not entirely dismissing it." His tone returned to its usual caution and restraint. "However, the problem lies precisely with this small group of people."
As revealed by the Second Hokage's lifelong research, it is often these Uchiha clansmen whose thoughts have gone to extremes and who have become alienated from the village that have the power that grows deep in their hearts that far exceeds that of ordinary clansmen, and can unleash unimaginable destructive power!
Therefore, even acknowledging that the majority of the Uchiha are loyal, we must remain vigilant and wary of the potential minority of abnormal individuals. Though the hidden dangers may seem small, their harm can be immense.
This rational analysis, coupled with concerns about the acceptance of the second-generation research conclusions, left Yuan Tuoye unable to categorically refute it.
He nodded silently, acknowledging that the concern itself had a logical basis.
Even Minato Namikaze, sitting in the main seat, couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
The tricky part is that if what the two advisors said was completely unfounded and nonsense, he could easily use his authority as Hokage to veto it.
However, the potential risks brought about by the Uchiha clan's unique Sharingan bloodline limit and intense emotional entanglement are real historical lessons.
The advisors' ultimate goal was the safety of the village.
This defensive rhetoric based on "reasonable suspicion" is the most difficult knot to untie.
Kakashi Hatake was listening to something completely foreign to him. What was this Second Hokage? What was this First Hokage? How did they know so much?
And why does he know nothing at all?
This isn't Kakashi Hatake's fault, since he's a mission expert and spends most of his time on missions; he doesn't pay much attention to such matters.
As an intelligence officer, Gen Takuno had every reason to be well aware of all of this.
After a while, Yuan Tuoye seemed to have thought about it more deeply, and he spoke again.
I understand the concerns of my seniors.
However, "prevention" does not mean completely isolating and excluding the entire Uchiha clan from the village's trust and system!
That would only push more of the tribe members who might have remained neutral to the opposing side!
He straightened his back, shining the light on the blond youth in the main seat, his voice filled with unprecedented confidence.
"More importantly, the one currently holding the Hokage position is our Fourth Hokage, Lord Minato Namikaze!"
With his speed as "the Yellow Flash, unparalleled in the ninja world" and his Flying Thunder God Technique, which could rewrite the battlefield, as well as his formidable strength honed through countless bloody battles and his unparalleled decisiveness.
We have every reason to believe that even if an unpredictable and extreme calamity were to occur within the Uchiha clan, the Fourth Hokage would possess the absolute power to completely suppress and eliminate it in the first instance!
This strength and determination to protect Konoha is our greatest asset in daring to embrace trust and tolerance today!
Minato Namikaze was slightly taken aback when he was suddenly called out.
It wasn't that he lacked confidence; it was just that Yuan Tuoye had placed all the weight of trust and responsibility for resolving the crisis on his personal strength during such a sensitive and intense debate. This trust and entrustment stirred a ripple in his heart.
But then, a calm and powerful confidence arose spontaneously.
Yes, if that day ever comes, he will have no choice but to take responsibility.
In the name of the Fourth Hokage, he will protect every inch of Konoha's land, including those Uchiha clansmen who may go astray, as long as there is still a chance to save them.
"This—" Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were instantly choked.
The two opened their mouths, but something seemed to be blocking their throats, and they couldn't find any words to refute it.
Questioning the Fourth Hokage's strength? In such a public setting, right in front of Minato Namikaze himself?
Having lived most of their lives, they know the weight of such words.
Even if one might have some doubts in their heart about whether this young Hokage could completely suppress the legendary forbidden power of the Uchiha clan, they would never dare to say it out loud in such a situation.
Moreover, Minato Namikaze's brilliant record and demonstrated strength had already exceeded their expectations, to the point that they privately admitted that his prowess had surpassed that of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in his prime.
Perhaps—what Gen Takuno said really is a viable path?
However, the deep-rooted fear of the Uchiha clan over the decades has long since turned into disgust, which cannot be easily eliminated by reasoning.
The rational mind may have softened, but the emotional resistance still stubbornly lingers in the heart.
While Yuan Tuoye's argument has merit, it is still difficult for them to completely let down their guard and accept it readily.
The elder advisor, Mitokado Homura, broke the silence once again with a voice filled with deep-seated vigilance: "The Hokage's strength is undoubtedly top-notch."
However, things are unpredictable. Who can say that every future Hokage will be able to completely suppress the Uchiha clan in terms of power?
Getting too close to someone at this moment is tantamount to sowing the seeds of unpredictable trouble for the future.
This potential danger must be treated with utmost caution.
His fingers tapped the table unconsciously, revealing his inner determination.
Faced with the advisor's stubborn opinion, Gen Takuno remained calm and replied, "The advisor's concerns are indeed reasonable. However, although we are not entirely certain, since the great Second Hokage has seen through the deep secrets of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan awakening, shouldn't we try to build upon his wisdom and explore ways to resolve this? There are always more solutions than problems."
"Hmph! Easier said than done!" Elder Koharu Tsukai's face immediately turned red with anger, and her voice suddenly rose. "Research?"
"Easier said than done! Can the achievements of the Second Hokage be easily replicated by later generations? Don't you understand the difficulties and unknowns involved?"
Yuan Tuoye was not intimidated by the anger. His gaze calmly swept over the two advisors, and his tone carried a rational insistence: "Precisely because we know how difficult it is, we should try even more. How can we know it's impossible if we haven't even started?"
Moreover, research isn't the only path we can take. Change might begin within the Uchiha clan itself.
He paused briefly, then threw out a key name, "For example, the bloodline of Uchiha Kagami-senpai, his grandson, Uchiha Shisui."
If a young person like Shisui, who inherited the will of his predecessor Kagami, could become the leader of the Uchiha clan, the situation might be very different.
"mirror--"
The name, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirred ripples in the hearts of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Their eyes met suddenly, and their stunned surprise was clearly visible.
The figure of Uchiha Kagami, the colleague who once fought alongside them and took it upon himself to ensure the harmony of the village and clan, seemed to appear before his eyes across time.
For a moment, all the vehement rebuttals were stuck in his throat.
If it were his grandson—if it were Uchiha Shisui, who carried the gentle yet resolute bloodline of Uchiha Kagami—
The two advisors miraculously fell silent, their stubborn attitude showing a clear softening.
This unexpected turn of events brought a smile of satisfaction to the lips of Minato Namikaze, who was watching from the sidelines.
He knew that completely resolving the deep-seated conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village would not be a task that could be accomplished overnight. However, even if the deep-seated prejudices of the two advisors were shaken in the slightest, it would still be a significant achievement of today's meeting.
"In that case," Minato Namikaze made a timely decision, his voice clear and firm, "then regarding the overall policy of the Uchiha clan, we will maintain the status quo for now and make no changes."
His gaze shifted to the crowd present.
"Yes!" Kakashi Hatake, who had been on edge the whole time, immediately straightened his back and answered in a loud voice.
He may not have fully grasped the complex political considerations, but the outcome of "no change" is undoubtedly the reassurance he most wants to hear at this moment.
"Yes—" The two advisors exchanged a glance and simultaneously let out a barely audible sigh.