This was the very reason no one had been able to keep Tobirama in check, forcing them to consider peace talks.
"Quanna, why would you have such an idea?" Madara asked in shock.
"Brother, it's because during this last battle, I saw the wolf-like ambition in those clans. It made me realize that if we want to speak of peace and fill this world with it, we must first erase such people from existence. Otherwise, they will always lurk in the shadows, striking like poisonous snakes." Quanna spoke firmly.
"I…"
"Enough. Everything will be decided after Tajima returns. The Uchiha will have to change, and what kind of change… that's for you all to decide." Kaede didn't want to waste more words.
When a person can't see clearly the danger before them, no matter what you say, it won't reach them.
The three Mangekyō Sharingan wielders of the Uchiha moved out, reclaiming the bodies of their fallen kin. It had been a bitter fight, but they had slain far more enemies than they lost.
Those enemies had intended to dig out the Sharingan, but failed, forced to retreat in disgrace.
Upon returning, Tajima had the eyes of the deceased removed before burying the bodies in the clan's cemetery. At least this way, they could rest in peace.
Once all was done, everyone returned to the Uchiha compound.
"Kaede-dono!" Tajima, along with Shizuru and the others, called out.
"What is it?" Kaede asked.
"They took the bodies of our dead to lure us out. It was a trap. But while we fell into their scheme, we didn't fall for it entirely—we came back alive and reclaimed the bodies of our kin." Tajima explained.
"Those bastards… they've gone too far," Shizuru burst out angrily.
Kaede turned to her.
"Those clans have already allied together, and they even said they'd recruit more to join their cause. They claim the Uchiha are 'born evil' and that wiping us out would rid the world of a calamity." Shizuru's voice trembled with anger.
The accusation was absurd. The Sharingan's awakening and evolution required powerful emotional surges—sometimes the sight of a loved one's death, sometimes the loss of someone dear. That was the true source of their strength, not evil.
Other clans only coveted their power, and when they couldn't take it, they resorted to slander.
Kaede wasn't surprised by these words. Such self-righteous talk was typical of these clans. In the future, wouldn't it be the same? The Uchiha would be pushed to the outskirts of the village they helped found—hated and distrusted despite being one of its two founding pillars.
The shinobi world claimed to respect strength, but in Kaede's eyes, they didn't admire the strong—they admired the ones they could control. Once they realized they couldn't control you, they'd look for ways to destroy you, just as they had with the Uchiha before.
"In this recent clash, we didn't see the Senju," Tajima noted.
"But that doesn't mean they won't join in. We've been old enemies for too long," Shizuru said quickly.
"Mm. So if all the clans are going to unite, what's your opinion?" Kaede asked calmly.
Because to him, it didn't matter if they all united. Neither the young Hashirama nor the young Madara were yet strong enough to matter. All these clans were nothing more than ants before him—he could crush them anytime.
"I think we should strike first," Tajima said decisively. "If we wait until their alliance is finalized, disaster will surely fall on us. But if we act before they've secured their unity, they won't be able to bring their full strength to bear, and our burden will be lighter."
"I agree," Shizuru nodded quickly.
"And me too!" Shimizu added.
"But if we do that, we'll only become the target of everyone's hatred…" Mai hesitated.
"Hatred? What are you thinking? If we talk peace now, it'll only look like we're afraid of them!" Shizuru snapped.
"That's not what I meant," Mai said quickly. "I just think that if peace talks could work, we could avoid more bloodshed within the clan…"
"No. Going to the table will only be seen as weakness," Kaede cut him off. "And even now, aren't we already everyone's target? If we go to negotiate, the terms will be nothing but demands for us to cripple our strength, surrender resources, and become their vassals."
Looking at Mai's distinctive white-curled hair, Kaede recognized him as likely the father of Kagami and the great-grandfather of Shisui. He had decent talent, but that was all.
"This… how could they? They clearly said…" Mai muttered.
But his words made the others freeze.
"They…?"
"Mai, what do you mean? Who are 'they'? Don't tell me you've been conspiring with other clans against the Uchiha?"
"Mai, what are you saying? Explain yourself now!"
To the Uchiha, nothing was more despised than a traitor. And Mai possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan. If it was proven that he had betrayed them, his eyes would be taken—and his fate would be sealed.
(End of Chapter)
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