Senju Chen put down the tea cup, raised his head, faced Fugaku's expectant eyes, and slowly said what he said to Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu: "Sister means that we, Senju Faction, will remain neutral this time. Whoever becomes Hokage in the end, we will support."
"..."
Uchiha Fugaku's pupils shrank suddenly, and the expectation on his face dimmed visibly to the naked eye.
But he is the leader of the clan after all, and his scheming in the city is far beyond the comparison of the two consultant elders. After a brief disappointment, he immediately figured out the key.
"Princess Tsunade... is really thoughtful." Fugaku sighed, with a wry smile on his face, "This is indeed the safest and most beneficial choice for the Senju Clan."
Because Senju Clan is the founder of the village, they really don't need to take sides at all.
He did not lose his composure like Utatane Koharu, but instead expressed his understanding of the decision. This made Senju Chen look at him with a high regard.
"But..." Fugaku changed the topic, leaning forward slightly, staring at Senju Chen with a pair of sharp eyes, "This is Senju Clan's choice. I would also like to hear your personal opinion, Chen-kun. In your opinion, how should we, Uchiha Clan, make a choice?"
He bit "our Uchiha" very hard.
Senju Chen smiled.
"Uncle Fugaku, before discussing this issue, we have to eliminate one person who absolutely cannot be chosen."
"Shimura Danzō." Fugaku and Senju Chen almost said it in unison.
The two looked at each other and saw a hint of tacit understanding in each other's eyes.
"It seems that Uncle Fugaku has an idea." Senju Chen said with a smile, "If Elder Danzo comes to power, in order to consolidate power, he will definitely eliminate all potential threats. And Uchiha Clan, in his eyes, is the biggest piece of fat. Cooperating with him is tantamount to seeking the skin of a tiger."
"That's right." Fugaku said in a deep voice, "That old guy is very scheming. I will never leave the fate of my family in the hands of such a person."
"Then, the only ones left are my teachers Orochimaru and Brother Minato." Senju Chen stretched out two fingers, and the expression on his face became playful, "These two choices, for Uchiha, can be said to be one way to 'heaven' and the other to 'hell', but the interesting thing is that heaven and hell can be converted into each other."
"Oh?" Uchiha Fugaku's interest was completely aroused, "I would like to hear the details."
Senju Chen took a sip of tea and analyzed it unhurriedly:
"Let's talk about Brother Minato first. He is young, sunny, has great military exploits, and is very popular among the villagers. He is the perfect hero template. If he rises to power, in order to show his mind and magnanimity as Hokage, he will definitely take the initiative to ease the relationship with Uchiha, and even introduce some policies to help Uchiha Clan better integrate into the village."
"This is a great thing for Uchiha. You can take this opportunity to completely wash away the stigma of 'traitor', so that the tribe can truly walk in the sunshine and be accepted and loved by the villagers. It can also speed up the blueprint for the security office we planned at that time. Isn't this what you have always longed for, Uncle Fugaku? From this perspective, this is 'paradise'."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, his eyes shining with yearning.
"But," Senju Chen changed the topic, "What is the other side of heaven?"
"Brother Minato is the embodiment of light. He hopes that everyone in the village will be bathed in the sun. He will never allow any organization to have too much power and become a shadow in the sun. The 'World Police' blueprint I designed for you, that super violent organization that can cross national borders... will never be realized under the rule of Brother Minato."
"He will support Police Force in serving the villagers, but he will definitely put the heaviest shackles on Police Force and strictly limit your authority and development. You can get 'respect', but you will forever lose the opportunity to become the 'strongest'."
With these words, the fire that had just been ignited in Uchiha Fugaku's heart was half extinguished by a basin of cold water.
He understood. Choosing Minato Namikaze means choosing stability and integration, but the price is giving up the infinite possibilities of the family's future.
"What about...Orochimaru?" Fugaku's voice was already a bit hoarse.
"My teacher, Orochimaru." The corner of Senju Chen's mouth raised an inexplicable arc, "He is just the opposite."
"He is a complete pragmatist, cold and indifferent to rules, and only believes in strength. He doesn't care at all whether the relationship between Uchiha and the village is good or bad, and he won't bother to help you integrate into the collective. In his eyes, the opinions of the villagers are worthless. Therefore, expecting him to improve your situation and make the villagers love you is tantamount to wishful thinking. From this perspective, this is 'hell'."
"But it is precisely because of this," Senju Chen's eyes flashed with a bewitching light, "He will value Uchiha's power extremely! He will regard Police Force as the sharpest knife in his hand! Not only will he not restrict you, but will give you unprecedented power and support, allowing you to complete those shady things for him, but someone must do it."
"The blueprint I designed for you, in the hands of the teacher, can not only be realized, but can even be exceeded! He will let you expand and make you a real 'world policeman', because a powerful and fearsome Uchiha is the most valuable tool for him! As long as you can use it for him, he will grant you the... power and authority you dream of. This is the 'heaven' leading to the pinnacle of power!"
There was dead silence in the tea room.
Uchiha Fugaku's breathing became extremely heavy.
In his mind, two completely different visions of the future were fighting madly.
On the one hand, the clan members are accepted by the villagers, the children can play with other children in the village, Uchiha is no longer isolated, and the family lives a stable life in the sun.
On the other side, Police Force's flag is planted all over Land of Fire, and even extends abroad. Uchiha's reputation makes all criminals frightened. The family holds overwhelming power that even Hokage cannot ignore, and truly stands at the top of Shinobi World!
Senju Chen looked at his struggling expression and decided to throw the last and heaviest straw.
"And, Uncle Fugaku, don't forget." He said softly, "Orochimaru is my teacher. He has great trust in me. If he becomes Hokage, then the person responsible for contacting Police Force and assisting you in implementing the 'reform'... there is a high probability that it will be me."