"I've told you before," Gen began, "during the Warring States Period, the Senju and the Uchiha were the two most powerful clans in the shinobi world. Especially after Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha became clan leaders, their strength was on a completely different level from everyone else."
He paced slowly as he spoke, his voice steady. "It wasn't just the leaders. Every shinobi in those clans was top-class for their rank. That's why when one employer hired the Senju, their rivals inevitably came to us, and vice versa."
Shisui and Itachi listened, eyes locked on him.
"That constant rivalry made the hatred between our clans the deepest of all. Now, imagine: the two strongest, bitterest enemies setting aside that hatred and working together. What example does that set for everyone else?"
Shisui and Itachi nodded almost in unison.
"Right. When others see that, the doubts and fears they hold toward both clans start to fade. Because deep down, the real fear isn't about skill—it's about being swallowed up and erased."
He let the thought hang in the air. "Remember, Konoha was born as a gathering of many clans, a giant family. The Senju became the head of that family, and as leader, they held the highest status. But leadership doesn't mean they have the right to exploit or crush the others. Roles may differ, but the worth is equal."
Gen's eyes sharpened. "Why did all these clans and ours included, join Konoha in the first place? For stability. For development. For peace. If it wasn't for a better future, what would've been the point?"
The two young Uchiha nodded again, leaning forward.
"If we had refused to cooperate with the Senju, do you think the other clans would've followed them?" Gen asked. "Shisui, your turn."
Shisui straightened, sensing the test. "No. The gap in strength would make them feel unsafe. Even if the Senju didn't crush them outright, they'd end up under a hereditary rule, not a village of equals. And that Konoha would be weaker, smaller. Other villages would band together against them, and hatred would remain. The moment the Senju couldn't suppress it, the whole thing would fall apart."
A slow smile spread across Gen's face. "You've improved again, Shisui. Well said."
Itachi's gaze flicked between them, a spark of admiration in his eyes.
"Madara lost to Hashirama," Gen went on, "but he never begged for mercy. He met defeat head-on. And it was Hashirama's sincerity—not power—that convinced him to join forces."
Gen's tone darkened. "But if Hashirama had tried to crush the Uchiha instead? The clan would never have obeyed. And when trouble came for the Senju, we'd have driven the blade into their back without hesitation."
He didn't stop. "If the Senju became the only dominant force, every other clan's breathing room would vanish. The nobles, too, would fear them. Even if Hashirama never intended to overthrow the nobles, would they believe him? No. They'd unite against the Senju, and either grind them down to a 'safe' level… or destroy them entirely."
The logic sank into the air like a weight.
"And if they refused to be ground down? War—until one side was gone. Even if the Senju won, they'd be weakened. The moment Hashirama died, the rebellion would start."
He gave them a moment to picture it. "Destroying the Uchiha would be even worse. Hashirama wasn't strong enough to crush Madara outright. They fought for years after taking their titles, almost evenly matched, ten thousand to ninety-nine hundred. If they fought to the last man, the Senju might win, but it would be a hollow, bloody victory. And the other clans would never let them recover."
"Itachi," Gen said suddenly, "agree?"
Itachi answered without hesitation. "No—they wouldn't."
"Exactly. No matter what, the Senju's fate would be grim."
Gen's voice softened, but the conviction remained. "I'm telling you this so you understand how vital our clan was to Konoha's founding. Our contribution in manpower and resources wasn't equal to the Senju's, but we never held back. In this village, they were the leaders, but we were the second pillar.
Now that the Senju are fading, my hope is that one day the Uchiha will take the lead and create a glory even greater than before."
Shisui grinned. "That's a dream worth chasing. I'll support it."
Itachi's expression turned solemn, almost reverent. "Brother Gen… I think I've found the meaning of my life."
Gen blinked, caught off guard.
Huh? That's… an unexpected bonus.