After studying the Uchiha Clan, the Second Hokage reached a conclusion diametrically opposed to his earlier assumptions. He believed that the Uchiha valued emotions above all else, and it was precisely for this reason that they had sealed away those feelings.
Orochimaru explained, "Once the Uchiha truly understood love, the emotions that had long suppressed them would be released, awakening that intense love."
"What's wrong with that?" Uchiha Ken asked subconsciously.
"If only it were that simple, but that's precisely where the problem lies..."
Orochimaru shook his head slightly. In truth, even without Minato's involvement, he had long wanted to have a serious talk with the Uchiha.
The Second Hokage's actions, while seemingly aimed at controlling the Uchiha as a destabilizing element, had actually set them on a path to ruin.
You can be a thief for a thousand days, but you can't be a guard for a thousand days.
They couldn't keep monitoring them like this forever, could they?
Even if the Uchiha had no intention of rebelling, being constantly watched as suspects would eventually drive them to rebellion.
"Uchiha who have known love, once they lose that intense love, are instead consumed by an even more intense hatred! Their personalities change drastically as a result. As the leader of the Uchiha Clan, Senior, you must have witnessed many such cases, haven't you?" Orochimaru asked softly.
Uchiha Ken fell silent, unable to refute his words.
Not just many cases?
Apart from clan members whose eyes awakened naturally due to the death of loved ones or accidental injuries, nearly all other awakenings were the result of the situation Orochimaru described.
"When the Uchiha Clan loses love, or when they are overwhelmed by emotions like despair and pain, their brains secrete a special type of Chakra. This Chakra affects the optic nerves, causing their eyes to transform."
Seeing Ken's silence, Orochimaru chuckled softly. "That's right. This is the truth behind the Sharingan—the Eye of the Mind's Reflection."
"As hatred grows, the Sharingan synchronizes with inner power, rapidly enhancing personal abilities. The Second Hokage observed that while many Uchiha possess intense emotions, they ultimately fall into darkness. And the deeper they descend into darkness, the more powerful they become."
"This is the true reason he guarded against the Uchiha—not out of fear of their power, but because of the potential for... evil."
"In such a state, calling the Uchiha 'mentally unstable' wouldn't be an exaggeration. Who would willingly entrust the highest authority to a group of lunatics?"
Orochimaru's tone turned playful. "If you were in his shoes, Senior, would you trust such a clan?"
"So, this is why the Uchiha can't become Hokage?"
Uchiha Ken sighed, finding the idea difficult to accept, yet not entirely unreasonable. He knew his clan had its share of flaws.
"Not entirely. The Uchiha's predicament also stems from the leadership's undeniable responsibility."
Orochimaru explained, "The former Root leader, Shimura Danzo, was an extremist. He inherited... no, he twisted the Second Hokage's attitude toward the Uchiha. While the Second's methods were questionable, his research and evaluations of the Uchiha were actually quite balanced."
"In contrast, Danzo was pure fanaticism. He repeatedly sowed discord between the leadership and the Uchiha, coveted the power of the Sharingan, and even learned the Uchiha's forbidden technique, Izanagi."
Uchiha Ken's expression darkened. "How did he learn this technique?"
"Uchiha Kagami," Orochimaru replied. "That's the only person we've been able to connect him to who would have had access to this ninjutsu. He probably used it in front of Danzo and got targeted for it."
Ken immediately understood and let out a cold laugh. "Heh, what a loyal partner in adversity. No wonder he died young."
Orochimaru waved it off as trivial. "That's nothing. Danzo even leaked the old man's whereabouts."
Ken's cold laugh froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Seriously? He'd even sell out the Hokage?"
"Before taking over Root, I thought he just had low standards. But after taking over Root, I realized he had no standards at all. If it served his interests, he'd betray anything."
Orochimaru said with a tone of reflection.
One had to admit, Danzo was a ruthless man.
Call him selfish, and he'd genuinely believe he was acting for Konoha's good.
But in his view, only his becoming Hokage would truly benefit Konoha...
"Then why are you telling me all this, Lord Orochimaru?" Uchiha Ken asked, looking up at him. He didn't believe Orochimaru had suddenly developed a conscience.
What a joke!
This was the leader of Root!
What was Root?
Konoha's specialized violent organization for dirty work!
And Orochimaru, as its leader, couldn't possibly be a simple man.
"I'm simply interested in the Uchiha's power, Senior. Don't you think it's a waste to keep such power confined to the Police Force?" Orochimaru spread his hands, his tone frank.
"Moreover, the economic gap between nations has widened in recent years. In barren lands like the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth, radical factions are growing stronger, pushing for expansionist policies to secure resources."
"Lately, Sunagakure has clashed with us multiple times within the Land of Rain, and Iwagakure is also stirring. War is only a matter of time."
Orochimaru continued seriously, "Before that, I believe we must quell internal discord. What do you think, Senior?"
"I fully support that."
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Uchiha Ken's lingering doubts gradually subsided.
During the Konoha Prison riot, the higher-ups had subconsciously listed the Uchiha Clan as suspects due to Uchiha Setsuna's involvement. It was Orochimaru who cleared their name.
Thus, Ken had a certain level of trust in Orochimaru.
Compared to Danzo, at least Orochimaru didn't view them through prejudiced eyes.
Despite working in a place like Root, Ken felt that Orochimaru's character was surprisingly decent.
"May I ask what you plan to do?"
"This requires both sides to compromise. I will grant the Uchiha Clan a position in Root, but I must personally select the candidate. As a gesture of good faith, I can take them as my disciple."
Orochimaru proposed, "In exchange, I hope you will remove the radical elements from the Police Department. This is a good opportunity for the Uchiha Clan to improve their public image. I can arrange for some hot-tempered ninja to join the Police Force and help draw the heat away from you."
"Agreed."
Uchiha Ken's eyes lit up.
While the Uchiha Clan was at odds with the Konoha leadership, it was merely a matter of dissatisfaction, not the life-and-death struggle it would later become. The clan's radical faction remained a minority.
Orochimaru's proposal was entirely beneficial to the Uchiha, with no downsides.
Moreover, as the Third Hokage's disciple and current leader of Root, Orochimaru was destined to rise to a position of power within the Konoha hierarchy.
Becoming Orochimaru's disciple, even if it didn't secure the Hokage position, would at least align him with the core of Konoha's power structure.
Seeing Uchiha Ken's relieved expression, Orochimaru chuckled.
His objective achieved, and with the Uchiha's hidden threat neutralized, this trip had been well worth it.
I really don't know what those old fools are thinking... these guys are so naive...
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