Third Elder Senju Wenjian also nodded in agreement. "Elder Lijian is absolutely right! These two clans harbor evil intentions. Their hearts deserve death!
"If we allow them to lie low in our rear, then when our clan and the Uchiha go to all-out war and the battle reaches a stalemate, they may suddenly strike, attacking our rear or our supply lines... the consequences would be unimaginable! They must be eliminated as soon as possible!"
"Father! Elders! Absolutely not!" Senju Hashirama said anxiously. "All of this is only our speculation!
"The Sarutobi and Shimura Clans have not clearly sided with the Uchiha yet, nor have they taken any hostile action against our clan!
"If we rashly send troops to attack them without evidence, we will only push them completely over to the Uchiha's side!
"When that time comes, we will have gained two powerful enemies out of thin air, and the situation will become even more dangerous!
"And many small clans in the ninja world, such as the Haruno and Kato Clans, are all watching.
"If we attack the Sarutobi and Shimura Clans on fabricated charges, what will those small clans think?
"They will only believe that my Senju Clan is domineering and tyrannical, and has begun wantonly annexing the surrounding forces!
"This will make every one of them feel endangered. To protect themselves, they may very well flock to the Uchiha or other forces, or even join together to oppose us!
"At that point, my Senju Clan will be trapped on all sides!"
Hashirama's words were sincere and earnest, filled with concern for the overall situation.
However, the moment he finished speaking, First Elder Senju Zhijian let out a disdainful sneer.
"Young Clan Leader Hashirama, you are still too merciful, too idealistic.
"Who said we must attack them 'without evidence'?