Sign in From Naruto

The tragic extermination of the Uchiha Clan in Konoha was not solely due to Sarutobi Hiruzen's compromises, but his inability to resolve the conflict between the village and the Uchiha Clan played a significant role.

That's why Xu Fan seized this opportunity to present his solution to Hiruzen—a way to handle the Uchiha Clan while simultaneously countering the Cloud Ninja Village.

"If we're talking about life experience and political maneuvering, I might not surpass the Third Hokage, but… I have a perspective and understanding of history that he lacks," Xu Fan thought to himself.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was over fifty years old, a seasoned veteran with decades of experience in power struggles and leadership.

But the so-called Ninja World Wars, even the largest ones, involved only a few hundred thousand troops on each side.

This was incomparable to the world Xu Fan came from, where wars involved millions and strategies were far more complex.

The wisdom and tactics of the leaders in his previous world were on a completely different level.

For example, the current situation in Konoha.

The internal conflict boiled down to three factions:

The Uchiha Clan, led by Fugaku Uchiha, who had suffered decades of marginalization.

Danzo's Root, which bore the brunt of Konoha's dirty work while maintaining a facade of loyalty.

The Hokage's faction, which upheld the village's image of justice and stability.

If someone like Zhuge Liang—a legendary strategist from Xu Fan's world—were here, he'd probably be baffled.

Why are you all so fixated on this village? March north! Expand your territory!

Even Xu Fan's strategy of diverting internal conflict with external conflict was inspired by such historical figures.

True statesmen were unfathomable, their strategies deceptively simple yet profoundly effective.

Hiruzen, despite his decades of experience, was stunned by Xu Fan's proposal.

Though it was just a few words, the implications were vast.

How many people could think of such a solution?

Certainly not Hiruzen himself, nor Danzo.

For a moment, Hiruzen fell into deep contemplation, considering the feasibility of Xu Fan's plan.

He didn't need the entire Uchiha Clan—just half their forces would be enough to defend against the Cloud Ninja Village.

With the ANBU's oversight, he could control the Uchiha's movements and prevent any coup attempts.

And with Xu Fan's Wood Release and immense chakra reserves, Konoha had a secret weapon that could tip the scales in their favor.

Hiruzen couldn't find a reason to continue compromising.

Of course, this decision wasn't his alone to make. He needed to convene Konoha's top officials for further discussion.

"Xu Fan."

"Hmm?"

Xu Fan looked directly at Hiruzen, waiting for his response.

While the Uchiha Clan's logic might be baffling, they were still thousands of lives—and a powerful military asset for the village.

Becoming Hokage was just a small goal for Xu Fan.

His true ambition was to unify the entire Shinobi world!

To achieve true peace?

Nah, that's just a side benefit.

Unifying the Shinobi world was about creating a better life for himself—establishing order, enjoying power, and living comfortably.

What could be better than that?

Xu Fan saw no issue with training the Uchiha Clan to serve as his loyal workforce.

Especially someone like Itachi Uchiha, whose strength he greatly admired.

Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo, the Totsuka Blade, Izanami…

These abilities made Itachi a Kage-level shinobi.

But his mindset and logic…

Xu Fan found them hard to accept.

From a normal person's perspective, when the conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the village became irreconcilable, Itachi had at least three better options:

Persuade his father, Fugaku, to abandon the coup and seek a peaceful resolution.

Support Fugaku's plan to overthrow the Konoha leadership, minimizing casualties and replacing the hierarchy.

Clearly reject the coup, siding with the village and forcing Fugaku to stand down.

Instead, Itachi chose the most extreme path—betraying his clan and slaughtering them all.

Even when Danzo demanded the extermination of the Uchiha, and Hiruzen promised to find another solution, Itachi went ahead with the massacre.

But even then, the Uchiha had other options.

They could have stalled for time, as Hiruzen suggested, or monitored the clan to suppress any coup attempts.

Given Fugaku's later actions, if Itachi had forcefully suppressed the coup, his father might have understood and supported his decision.

With Fugaku and Itachi—two Mangekyō Sharingan users—the rest of the Uchiha Clan stood no chance.

Yet, Itachi chose the most incomprehensible path.

He made a deal with Danzo to protect Sasuke, staining his hands with the blood of his entire clan.

Even if a conflict had broken out, how many civilian casualties would there have been?

On one hand, Itachi claimed to act for the village's sake; on the other, he exterminated the Uchiha, who had suffered for decades.

Did he not consider them part of the village?

In the end, the Uchiha were fighting for their rights.

They had helped Hashirama establish Konoha, only to be marginalized and driven to the village's outskirts.

On the night of the Nine-Tails' attack, they were ready to fight but were ordered to stand down, further deepening their resentment.

And for wanting equality, they were exterminated by one of their own.

No matter how many times Xu Fan revisited this plot, he found it deeply flawed.

If the Uchiha Clan had been truly evil, it might have made sense.

But Fugaku, Mikoto, Izumi, and other Uchiha who chose peaceful lives were kind-hearted people.

Fugaku, in particular, admired Hiruzen's father, Sarutobi Sasuke, and even named his youngest son after him, hoping he would become a great ninja like his namesake.

"Sigh."

Xu Fan couldn't help but lament the Uchiha's tragic history.

At least in this timeline, he could try to set their mindset straight.

If words failed, he'd resort to a "personality correction punch."

"I hope you can keep the contents of our conversation to yourself."

Hiruzen's voice pulled Xu Fan back to reality.

"If others find out, it could have unfavorable consequences for you. So…"

Hiruzen sighed deeply, "I will take responsibility for what happened today."

Xu Fan: "???"