Chapter 17: Why Do You Always Irritate Me?

Chapter 17: Why Do You Always Irritate Me?

Uchiha Madara lost!

He lost, without a shred of doubt.

Even though Chu Yang had long anticipated the outcome, he couldn't help but feel a sense of regret. From the very beginning, Uchiha Madara never stood a chance against someone as extraordinary as Senju Hashirama.

There was a reason why Madara became so obsessed with obtaining Hashirama's cells. It wasn't just for the power of the Rinnegan; it was also for the terrifying regenerative ability that came with them.

Compared to Hashirama's healing prowess, most tailed beasts likely couldn't compete.

After Madara's defeat, Hashirama didn't kill him. Instead, he once again requested that they form an alliance, hoping the two of them could build a peaceful village together.

Lying on the ground, Madara's expression was complex. He murmured, "The Uchiha clan lost, and I lost too."

Even without this battle, the Uchiha would have faced the same fate. The tide of history was against them, and they had no chance.

With his younger brother Izuna still alive, Madara had not yet descended into his most obsessive state. After some hesitation, he finally nodded in agreement.

At the same time, Chu Yang clearly sensed the surging killing intent emanating from Senju Tobirama. It was evident that Tobirama was deeply displeased with his brother's actions.

Why not kill Uchiha Madara?

That man was destined to become a destabilizing force!

Tobirama foresaw more than just Madara as an individual; he saw the entire Uchiha clan as a potential threat.

Unless the Senju clan was willing to relinquish their dominant position, these people would eventually rebel because their power was too great.

No powerful clan would willingly be subordinate to another!

If it weren't for the presence of Hashirama, today's defeat could very well have belonged to the Senju.

"Teacher, you don't need to worry about the Uchiha clan. They're not united. Each clan head rises to power through their own strength. All we need to do is keep dividing and pulling them apart. They'll never grow strong enough."

Chu Yang's young voice suddenly broke through Tobirama's simmering anger, making him pause and thoughtfully look at Chu Yang.

Tobirama asked, "If it were you, what would you do?"

Chu Yang smiled and replied, "I'd establish a department that appears prestigious but holds no real power. Elevate them on a pedestal, and then assign them the most dangerous missions with the lowest survival rates."

"Let them bask in the praise and admiration, while also willingly sacrificing their lives. Or rather, their 'noble sacrifices'."

"You could consider it a kind of advanced moral manipulation."

"Moral manipulation?" Tobirama repeated the unfamiliar term, his eyes gleaming with interest. He didn't deny that Chu Yang's suggestion was intriguing.

But after some thought, Tobirama shook his head. "You're oversimplifying it. Madara isn't a fool; he'd see through your little schemes at a glance. It's better to restrict their power from the outset, gradually weakening them until they no longer have the strength to resist."

Chu Yang explained, "This plan focuses on their emotions. We need to foster a sense of belonging in the Uchiha clan towards the village Lord Hashirama is about to establish. We can't allow them to become outsiders within the village. If they feel marginalized, they'll unite under external pressure and become increasingly cohesive."

"Divide them emotionally... Create a sense of belonging... Moral manipulation... Dying under the halo of a hero..." Tobirama closed his eyes, replaying Chu Yang's words in his mind. His views were peculiar, even chilling upon reflection.

As the saying goes, a soft blade cuts the deepest, especially when it's rusty...

"Using positive emotions as bait—this is practically playing with people's hearts," Tobirama suddenly squinted at Chu Yang. "It's a good thing you're part of the Senju clan; otherwise, I'd be the first to kill you."

Chu Yang smirked. "Teacher, that's hardly fair. I'm only offering suggestions because I see you're troubled. Are you planning to discard me after using me?"

"Hmph!" Tobirama's lips curled up slightly. Chu Yang's idea had indeed provided a fresh perspective, improving his mood significantly.

He felt that this approach was much more insidious—and appropriate—than overtly suppressing the Uchiha.

And, it wouldn't cause any friction with his elder brother, Hashirama, over the Uchiha clan—a perfect two birds with one stone.

As dawn began to break, Tobirama and Chu Yang returned to their base and immediately headed to the dungeon. In an orderly fashion, they released the captive Uchiha clan members.

The sealing techniques hadn't been removed, though. They were only being released so that medics could tend to their injuries.

Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the Uchiha to come and retrieve their people. With the alliance between the two great clans already set in motion by Hashirama and Madara, offering small gestures of goodwill in advance could help win over their hearts.

Tobirama's reputation within the Senju clan was incredibly high. Even though he had made the decision to release the enemy, not a single clan member questioned him.

This left Chu Yang in awe.

"Senju Tobirama, what exactly are you up to?" Uchiha Izuna stepped forward, his face full of confusion. He didn't understand Tobirama's actions at all.

Tobirama glanced at him and said indifferently, "The Senju and Uchiha clans have agreed to peace talks. Releasing you is merely to facilitate those talks."

"You have a major advantage right now, so why negotiate?" Izuna asked, suddenly excited. "Does that mean my brother defeated Senju Hashirama?"

"Wake up! Even if they fought a hundred more times, Uchiha Madara still wouldn't beat my brother!" Tobirama scoffed. "Madara lost, but my brother decided to let bygones be bygones, to set aside our differences and work together. You'd better appreciate it!"

"Impossible!" Izuna's face paled, his heart sinking. He gritted his teeth. "The Uchiha clan will never accept peace talks."

Chu Yang, curious, looked at him and asked, "So what's your plan? To keep fighting until the Uchiha clan is completely wiped out? Even Madara lost. What do you have left to fight with?"

"Pfft!"

Izuna was speechless, fury welling up again as he spat out a mouthful of blood.

This was the third time!

Every word felt like a dagger to his heart!

He glared at the boy in front of him. How come you don't anger anyone else but me?

By evening, Hashirama and Madara arrived together at the Senju base, bringing along the previously captured Senju clan members.

Tobirama, who had long been prepared, returned the Uchiha captives to Madara as well.

Madara looked at him in surprise.

In his memory, Senju Tobirama wasn't someone who would be so easygoing.

However...

Tobirama then said something that utterly shocked Madara.

"From now on, we're comrades!"