Reasons for Allying with the Senju

At the same time, a thousand miles away, on the edge of the Senju Clan Grounds.

Senju Hashirama stood outside the clan grounds' main gate. Unlike the pure joy he had felt when parting from Madara, his face was solemn now.

Behind him were the four Senju Four Polar Generals, their auras deep and steady, like mountains and bedrock. Farther back stood twenty elite Senju jonin with sharp gazes and restrained killing intent.

"Move out!" At Hashirama's command, the group shot forward like arrows loosed from the string, quickly vanishing in the direction of Whirlpool Village.

And in an unremarkable corner inside the clan grounds, Senju Tobirama watched expressionlessly in the direction his elder brother had left, until that party completely disappeared at the end of his sight.

Big brother, may everything go smoothly. After silently saying that in his heart, Tobirama turned without hesitation and stepped through the heavy iron door that led underground, into a place filled with cold machinery and the aura of chakra experiments.

Behind the door lay the truth of "jutsu" he pursued, the path he believed could truly protect the Senju and change the ninja world.

He had to seize every moment, develop even more powerful ninjutsu, and exterminate the Uchiha Clan.

Elsewhere.

Whirlpool Village, the core meeting hall of the Uzumaki Clan.

The light in the hall was somewhat dim. Only a few ever-burning lamps swayed with murky yellow flames, illuminating the six faces seated around the long table at the center.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost dripping with water.

"We have just received an urgent message from the Senju Clan." Uzumaki Ashina's low voice broke the silence. "Senju Hashirama is personally visiting as the representative of the Senju Clan. He is already on the road.

Given their speed, they should arrive at our clan in about an hour.

Everyone, this matter is of great importance. What do you think?"

The Great Elder stroked his snow-white beard. "This old man believes the Senju and Uchiha have only just signed a one-year truce agreement.

Senju Hashirama's visit is most likely to take advantage of this breathing space to repair the relationship shattered by that bastard Butsuma's actions, and to form an alliance with our clan again."

The Third Elder immediately added, "Exactly. The Uchiha Clan has now subdued the Kaguya Clan, Hyuga Branch Family, Hozuki Clan, and Snow Clan. Their power has expanded rapidly, and their momentum is already set!

Their next target will inevitably be neutral clans like ours that have yet to submit.

The Senju Clan will never sit back and watch the Uchiha continue to grow stronger.

Seeking allies, especially us, who possess powerful sealing techniques, is their inevitable choice."

"But!" Anger faintly showed on the Second Elder's face. "That treacherous villain Senju Butsuma only recently harmed our Uzumaki Clan.

Such an act of betraying an ally is too numerous to record!

Do we still need to ally ourselves again with such fickle people?"

The Fourth Elder's voice was full of distrust. "The Second Elder is absolutely right. If the Senju Clan could betray us once, they can betray us a second time, a third time!

In their eyes, a so-called alliance is nothing but scrap paper they can tear up whenever they please! I oppose allying with the Senju again!"

Uzumaki Ashina did not immediately state his position. Instead, he turned his gaze to Uzumaki Mito, who had remained silent beside him. "Mito, what is your view?"

Uzumaki Mito said calmly, "Clan leader, elders. My suggestion is—to continue allying with the Senju."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Second Elder and Fourth Elder frowned even more deeply, while the Great Elder and Third Elder looked thoughtful.

"Oh? Tell us your reasons," Uzumaki Ashina said in a low voice.

Uzumaki Mito stood up, her gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"There are three reasons."

"First, the need for self-preservation. Uchiha Mo has integrated four great ninja clans, and his momentum is already set.

With the power of our Uzumaki Clan alone, we cannot possibly resist them.

If we do not ally with the Senju and seek joint strength, we will not even be able to protect ourselves.

When the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain whole?"

"Second, the choice of alliance partner.

With the strength and ambition Uchiha Mo has displayed, as well as their already swollen power, they may not even think much of our Uzumaki Clan.

Allying with the Uchiha now would merely be gilding the lily. The status and benefits we receive would inevitably be limited, and we might even be reduced to a vassal.

By contrast, the Senju Clan is at a low point and urgently needs allies.

Only by offering help in their hour of need can we gain a more proactive position and greater voice in the future alliance."

"Third, and most importantly.

Uchiha Mo's ambition is vast, and his methods are cunning, far beyond our fixed understanding of the Uchiha!

He does not favor brute force. He excels at strategy and advances step by step.

An Uchiha who already possesses a top-tier kekkei genkai, combined with Uchiha Mo, whose intellect borders on the demonic and who understands how to form alliances and maneuver among powers...

If they are allowed to keep developing like this, the unification of the ninja world may only be a matter of time!"

"And the sealing secret arts and unique healing techniques that our Uzumaki Clan relies on for survival have always been coveted by other ninja clans.

Imagine, if the day truly comes when the Uchiha unify the ninja world, will our Uzumaki Clan still be able to keep these core inheritances?

Or even... will we still be able to continue existing as an independent ninja clan?"

After Uzumaki Mito finished speaking, the expressions of everyone present turned extremely gloomy and ugly.

The Second Elder asked somewhat unwillingly, "According to you, besides the Senju and Uchiha, can our Uzumaki Clan not ally with other clans? For example, the Hatake Clan, Sarutobi Clan, or Shimura Clan?"

Uzumaki Mito gently shook her head. "Second Elder, how strong are the other clans you mentioned?

If we choose to ally with them, it is very likely that we will anger both the Senju and Uchiha, who are currently in competition!

No matter whether the Senju or the Uchiha ultimately prevail, we, as 'fence-sitters' or even 'potential enemies,' will certainly be purged!

And looking across the entire ninja world, at present there is no single clan, nor any alliance of several clans, that possesses the strength to contend with either the Senju or Uchiha alone.

A so-called alliance of many clans is, in the face of absolute power, nothing but a mantis trying to stop a chariot. It would only add to the casualties!"

The Second Elder opened his mouth, but in the end, he slumped back into his chair.

Uzumaki Ashina stood and said in a low voice, "Enough! We will do as Mito says!

When Senju Hashirama and the others arrive, receive them with our clan's highest courtesy!"

"Yes, clan leader!" the four elders answered in unison.

One hour later, in Whirlpool Village, before the towering gates of the Uzumaki Clan's clan grounds.

The heavy wooden doors slowly swung open.

Uzumaki Ashina wore the solemn attire of the clan leader and stood at the very front.

Beside him stood Uzumaki Mito, also dressed in formal attire, her red hair cascading like a waterfall.

Behind them, the four elders wore solemn expressions. Farther back were the elite clansmen of the Uzumaki Clan, arranged in neat ranks, their auras deep and steady. They formed a dense, dark mass, their momentum majestic.

When Senju Hashirama appeared at the end of the road with the Senju Four Polar Generals and twenty elite Senju jonin with restrained killing intent,

Uzumaki Ashina took a deep breath and called out in a clear voice, "Welcome, members of the Senju Clan, to Whirlpool Village!"

"Welcome!!!" hundreds of Uzumaki clansmen shouted in unison.