Masahiko had wanted to convince himself to go with the flow and let nature take its course, but he still could not help wanting to stir things up. Perhaps it was simply his nature, or perhaps, subconsciously, he did not want the Battle of the End Valley to happen.
After spending these years with Hashirama, he had completely grown used to pulling the occasional prank on him. Even Uchiha Madara—after their three battles, Masahiko no longer particularly wanted him to meet such an end. As for Witness Points, Masahiko could not spare them any thought for now...
Ever since the Graduation Incident, Masahiko had often wandered Konoha's streets. He had run into Uchiha clansmen many times and teased or bullied them whenever he had the chance. Uchiha Izumiya had come to see Masahiko about it many times, but unless Uchiha Madara came himself, Masahiko would not pay him any attention.
He had originally intended to turn the Uchiha into a disadvantaged group, thereby making Konoha's villagers let down their guard and stop being wary of them. He had not expected it to backfire.
By Konoha's fourth year, Masahiko discovered that a saying had begun circulating among the villagers: "Those are the Uchiha. Even Elder Masahiko hates them!"
These discussions left Masahiko torn between laughter and tears. Only then did he realize that he had truly become a highly respected elder—people would even accept some of his unreasonable actions.
"Or perhaps their wariness of the Uchiha is already ingrained in their bones?"
When one method failed, Masahiko considered trying another and continuing to stir things up. Unexpectedly, Hashirama came looking for him.
"Second Grandfather, I heard you've recently had some disputes with the Uchiha..." Hashirama trailed off.
"Uh..." Masahiko paused, then his eyes darted. "Don't you think Madara has been acting