Uchiha Shisui thought for a moment, then continued, "So what about the middle strategy?"
Izumi said, "This is both simple and difficult to explain."
"Oh, what is it?"
Izumi said, "It's communication."
Shisui asked, confused, "Communication?"
Izumi nodded, "Yes, that's right. Actually, all conflicts stem from the Uchiha Clan's powerful Sharingan and their inherent arrogance, which makes us unwilling to back down even when wronged, while the Village also believes we are too extreme. However, we Uchiha are still a part of the Village, and no matter how many conflicts there are, we still hope for a peaceful resolution.
However, ever since the Second Hokage implemented policies that made the Uchiha Clan take over the Police Force, a thankless job responsible for security, it not only worsened the Uchiha Clan's reputation but also alienated them from the center of power. As one of the two great ninja clans that founded the Village, this was certainly unacceptable. So, over time, conflicts grew, and after the Nine-Tailed incident, the conflicts escalated even further."
"And the pressure from the higher-ups, combined with Uchiha Fugaku's continuous forbearance, hoping that the Village would stop suspecting the Uchiha, only made things worse. The higher-ups, led by Danzo, who feared the Uchiha Clan, became even more aggressive, and our situation will become increasingly difficult."
"As long as the conflict is resolved, there's no need for us to split apart."
"Therefore, the Third Hokage should personally communicate with the Uchiha Clan to resolve the issues, instead of constantly applying pressure. After all, as you've seen, the Village has been pressuring us, and the Clan Head hasn't taken action. If this continues, the conflicts will only grow, so it's best if the Third Hokage personally intervenes."
Uchiha Shisui thought for a moment. He nodded, "Hmm, that idea is indeed good, but it also has its difficulties."
Izumi nodded, "Yes, it has its difficulties, because reconciliation between both sides means that the interests and power of some people will also be affected."
"Therefore, some higher-ups have been secretly framing our Uchiha Clan and ruining our reputation, making the Village even more dissatisfied with us, and thus losing any desire for communication."
"In fact, the more miserable the Uchiha Clan is, the greater their gains."
Uchiha Shisui took a deep breath and said, "I didn't expect you to have such insight. This middle strategy is exactly what I was thinking. I also hope that both sides can communicate sincerely, as the Uchiha only wish to receive the treatment they deserve."
Izumi said, "Indeed, I also believe this is the method with the least cost, but some people don't want the Uchiha and the Village to reconcile; instead, they keep applying pressure, leading to dissatisfaction on both sides."
"Alas." Uchiha Shisui asked, "Then, what is the worst strategy?"
Izumi looked at him, then said, "From the perspective of the Village's higher-ups, if a clan in the Village wants to rebel, what would you do?"
Shisui said, "Talk!"
Izumi continued, "What if they refuse to reconcile and talk?"
Shisui remained silent; he had thought of a possibility.
Izumi nodded and said, "That's right. From the perspective of Konoha's higher-ups, directly eliminating them is the best way, and it's best to keep casualties to a minimum. Their best strategy is also our worst strategy."
Uchiha Shisui said, "The Uchiha are members of Konoha; the Village wouldn't do that."
Izumi said, "So, this is just my opinion. Don't others in the clan have their own opinions? Like a coup, for example!"
Shisui shouted, "I won't let that happen!"
Izumi smiled, "Think about it, when Clan Head Fugaku failed in his bid for Hokage, and now the conflict between the two sides is growing, the higher-ups don't trust the Uchiha and are unwilling to talk. So, I think we need to work hard now."
Izumi continued, "You are the renowned Shisui of the Body Flicker. With you here, the higher-ups will be wary of the Uchiha Clan's combat power and won't act rashly. Itachi is also becoming increasingly powerful; they are even less willing to act without assurance. So, strong power is also very important. For example, the Ninjutsu I'm currently practicing is because I'm strengthening my own power, hoping to have a say."
Uchiha Shisui closed his eyes. He sat on the ground and said dejectedly, "Is there no other way?"
Izumi shrugged, "Who knows? I don't understand either. In the eyes of these adults, those benefits are more important than human lives. It's truly incomprehensible."
Shisui said to Izumi, "What you told me today has enlightened me. I plan to let Itachi grow up and then make him Hokage! If the Village's higher-ups don't agree, I will act as a bridge to facilitate peaceful communication between the two sides!"
"He's still going back to that, huh!" Izumi laughed, "Alright then, I hope you can do it. I'll also work hard to get stronger!"
Shisui said confidently, "Yes, the future of the Uchiha Clan depends on us!"
Izumi didn't want to talk to him anymore, so she found an excuse and asked, "Oh, right, you just mentioned Itachi. When is he coming back?"
Shisui said, "He seems to be planning to join the Anbu. That's his choice. He has a week of vacation time; you should have a good chat with him."
Izumi nodded, "Then I'll be going now. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
After Izumi left, Uchiha Shisui began to ponder what he should do.
Izumi walked on her way home, surprised that she had said so much to Shisui. Alas, perhaps she hoped her clan wouldn't suffer such a tragic fate.
Suddenly, Izumi saw Itachi eating dango. She ran directly to sit opposite him, then stared at him and shouted to the boss, "Boss, give me a plate of three-colored dango. He's paying."
"Coming right up!" The boss immediately started preparing.
Uchiha Itachi looked at Izumi opposite him. He smiled and asked, "Why are you here?"
Izumi crossed her arms and said, "No need to ask. Did you prepare a gift or not?"
...
"Alas, that's why, Itachi, you're really bad. Last time, you finally told the truth, but you were too cunning, even I didn't expect it?"
Itachi's lips curved, then he said with a forced smile, "Where did your imagination go? It's so rich. Last time was just an excuse."
Izumi puffed out her cheeks and said, "So you deliberately didn't prepare one, isn't that even more hateful!"
Itachi said, "No, um, then which kind do you like?"
Just as Izumi was about to say something, the boss brought over the dango.
Izumi also noticed her own lapse. She thought to herself, "What's wrong with me? Although I deliberately asked him for a gift, what's with this girlish demeanor?"
"Cough, cough." Izumi said, "Shisui said you're joining the Anbu?"
Uchiha Itachi nodded, "That's right."
Izumi exclaimed in surprise, "Joining the Anbu at eleven years old, that's amazing! You've broken a record, Itachi!"