Uchiha Shisui paused thoughtfully, eyes narrowing as he considered Izumi's words. After a moment, he broke the silence. "You mentioned three strategies for resolving the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the Village. You spoke of the upper strategy—the one about an Uchiha becoming Hokage. What about the middle strategy?"
Izumi nodded, her expression turning serious. "The middle strategy is both simple and complicated to explain."
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued. Tell me more."
She took a deep breath. "It's communication."
"Communication?" Shisui echoed, puzzled.
"Yes," Izumi said, her voice calm yet firm. "The core of the conflict isn't just about power or betrayal. It stems largely from misunderstandings and fear. The Uchiha possess the powerful Sharingan, which sometimes breeds arrogance and a refusal to back down, even when we are wrong. Meanwhile, the Village perceives us as extreme and threatening. Despite this, we are still part of the Village. No matter how bitter the conflicts become, we ultimately hope for peace."
She paused, gathering her thoughts. "The problem began during the time of the Second Hokage, when the Uchiha Clan was assigned the Police Force — a thankless, dangerous role responsible for internal security. This marginalized the Clan, worsening our reputation and alienating us from the Village's true centers of power. For a founding clan, this was deeply unacceptable. Over time, resentments grew."
Izumi's eyes darkened slightly. "After the Nine-Tails' attack, tensions escalated even further. The higher-ups, especially Danzo, became more aggressive, and Uchiha Fugaku's continued patience only prolonged the suffering. But instead of easing tensions, the pressure has only intensified, worsening the divide."
She looked Shisui squarely in the eyes. "If this conflict could be resolved, there'd be no need for a split."
Izumi continued, "Therefore, I believe the Third Hokage himself should directly engage with the Uchiha Clan to heal the wounds and ease tensions, instead of relying on pressure and suspicion. The Village has been exerting pressure for so long, but the Clan Head hasn't responded aggressively. If this keeps up, things will only worsen. The Hokage's personal intervention could make a difference."
Shisui nodded slowly, considering her words. "It's a good idea, but one filled with difficulties."
Izumi agreed. "Yes. Because reconciliation would inevitably affect the interests and power of some individuals."
She added quietly, "Some higher-ups have secretly slandered the Uchiha, destroying their reputation to make the Village distrust us even more, killing any hope of open communication."
Her voice lowered. "In truth, the more miserable the Uchiha become, the more some people benefit."
Shisui took a deep breath. "I didn't expect such insight from you. This middle strategy — communication — is exactly what I hoped for. The Uchiha only want what they deserve."
Izumi nodded firmly. "It's the most cost-effective solution. But there are those who don't want peace. They keep pressing down on the Clan, deepening grievances on both sides."
She sighed. "Alas."
Shisui asked hesitantly, "Then, what's the worst strategy?"
Izumi's eyes gleamed with determination. "From the perspective of the Village's higher-ups, if a clan within the Village threatens rebellion, what would you do?"
Shisui's answer was immediate. "Talk."
"Right," Izumi said, "but what if they refuse to talk or reconcile?"
Shisui's face grew grave as he realized where she was going.
Izumi continued, "From the viewpoint of Konoha's leaders, the best way is to eliminate the threat directly and quickly, keeping casualties minimal. What's best for them is the worst for us."
Shisui shook his head. "The Uchiha are Konoha's blood. The Village wouldn't resort to that."
Izumi gave a wry smile. "That's my opinion. But doesn't every clan member have their own thoughts? Some may even consider a coup."
Shisui's voice rose fiercely, "I won't allow that to happen!"
Izumi's smile softened. "Think about it — when Fugaku failed to become Hokage, the conflict between the Clan and the Village grew worse. The higher-ups don't trust the Uchiha anymore, and no one wants to communicate openly. That's why we need to work harder now."
She looked at Shisui intently. "You're the legendary Shisui of the Body Flicker. With your strength and reputation, the higher-ups will hesitate to act recklessly against the Clan. Itachi is also growing stronger, so they're even more cautious. That's why personal strength matters."
Izumi added, "For instance, the Ninjutsu I'm training now is to increase my own power, so I can have a voice in these affairs."
Shisui closed his eyes and lowered himself to the ground. His voice was heavy with frustration. "Is there truly no other way?"
Izumi shrugged. "I don't know. In the eyes of these adults, power and politics mean more than human lives. It's hard to understand."
Shisui looked up, resolve in his eyes. "What you've told me today has given me clarity. I will let Itachi mature and help him become Hokage! If the Village leaders refuse, I will act as a bridge to promote peaceful communication between both sides."
Izumi laughed. "You're always coming back to Itachi, huh?"
Shisui smiled warmly. "Yes. The future of the Uchiha depends on us."
Izumi didn't want to delve deeper, so she found an excuse to leave. "By the way, you said Itachi is coming back soon?"
Shisui nodded. "He plans to join the Anbu. It's his choice. He has a week of vacation — you should talk to him."
Izumi smiled and nodded. "Then I'll be going. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!" Shisui called after her.
---
Later, Near the Village Market
Izumi was walking home, surprised at how much she had revealed to Shisui. Perhaps she hoped, deep down, that her clan would avoid a tragic fate.
Suddenly, she spotted Itachi sitting alone, eating dango. Without hesitation, she ran over and sat opposite him.
She stared at him, then loudly called to the stall owner, "Boss, give me a plate of three-colored dango! He's paying!"
The vendor immediately began preparing her order.
Itachi looked at Izumi with a gentle smile. "What brings you here?"
Izumi crossed her arms, feigning irritation. "No need to ask. Did you bring me a gift or not?"
Itachi smirked. "Where does your imagination take you? Last time you caught me off guard by telling the truth, but I was just making an excuse."
Izumi puffed her cheeks. "So you deliberately didn't bring one? That's worse!"
Itachi chuckled. "No, no. Then tell me — what kind do you like?"
Just then, the vendor brought the dango to their table.
Izumi caught herself and thought, What's wrong with me? Even though I asked him for a gift on purpose, why do I feel so girlish?
Clearing her throat, Izumi said, "Shisui told me you're joining the Anbu."
Itachi nodded. "Yes, that's right."
Izumi's eyes widened in surprise. "Joining Anbu at eleven years old? That's incredible, Itachi! You've set a new record."
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