In truth, the problems within the Uchiha clan had long planted the seeds of hidden danger. These issues can be traced back to the very founding of Konohagakure.
While the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, genuinely upheld the "Will of Fire" and sought peace between the Senju and Uchiha, his death marked the beginning of a different era. After his passing, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama—a known pragmatist and strategist—took power. It was during his administration that the systematic marginalization of the Uchiha began.
The older generation of the Uchiha sensed this change. Some even opposed the village's growing suspicion of their clan. Uchiha Setsuna was one such figure—described in records as a sharp, distrustful "hawk" who deeply resented Tobirama. Kai Uchiha remembered him as a defiant figure, although few paid attention to him during his time. That was the era when Madara Uchiha had already defected, but his legacy still loomed large. The fear of Madara's name alone kept most Uchiha from voicing dissent, and individuals like Setsuna were ignored, their warnings lost in the shadow of past wars.
As for whether Setsuna still lived, Kai wasn't certain—but he assumed the man had long passed. Even so, the Uchiha had not been entirely silent in the years after Madara's departure. Despite losing their strongest member, some still awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. It's possible that Setsuna was among them.
Other notable figures from that time include Uchiha Rai, Uchiha Baru, and Uchiha Naka—ninjas who had their own followings and political roles within the clan. There was even a mysterious figure sometimes referred to in vague historical accounts as the one who "governed" or led these individuals, possibly a member of the so-called dove faction within the Uchiha—those who advocated for peace and coexistence with the village.
It's likely this leader was also a Mangekyō wielder. One legacy that stood out was the technique known as Izanami—a powerful genjutsu later used by Uchiha Itachi. Kai suspected it was originally developed by this very figure. Unfortunately, even with such talents, the clan gradually fell into disarray.
The Mangekyō Sharingan wielders of the past faded into obscurity, either due to internal conflict, political assassinations, or simply the natural cycle of power being replaced. Tobirama likely recognized the Uchiha's growing division. Disliking and distrusting the clan, he began consolidating control.
His first major move was the establishment of the Ninja Academy—a system that, while modernizing shinobi education, also served to dilute the power of traditional clans like the Uchiha and even his own Senju. It was a brilliant political maneuver that no one dared to oppose openly.
Later, when conditions were right, Tobirama moved the Uchiha out of Konoha's political core and placed them in charge of the Konoha Military Police Force. On the surface, it seemed like a position of authority. In reality, it was a means of isolation—assigning the Uchiha a role that distanced them from the village's true decision-making power.
At the time, some Uchiha elders surely opposed the move. But the legacy of Madara's rebellion, coupled with the dove faction's influence, left them powerless to resist.
Tobirama was a keen judge of character. He deliberately fostered relationships with cooperative Uchiha, such as Uchiha Kagami, a loyal follower and a trusted member of his personal guard. Kagami's presence sent a message to the clan: "There is still a path for those who remain loyal." This subtle manipulation shaped Uchiha perceptions for decades.
By the time Hiruzen Sarutobi—the Third Hokage—took power, this dynamic was deeply entrenched. The Uchiha had grown used to their marginalized role. Yet, their nature had not changed. The clan remained proud, passionate, and volatile. And while their power waned, their ambition had not.
Now, the Mangekyō was becoming a legend, and yet some among the Uchiha still stirred with unrest—despite lacking the strength to back their ambition. It was a dangerous combination.
Power is intangible but potent. It fuels desire and awakens greed. And when a group feels wronged and lacks the strength to correct the injustice, resentment brews. Kai Uchiha recognized that some members of the clan had begun to cultivate thoughts that should have never taken root.
"Is it just about power?" asked Uchiha Fugaku, responding to Kai's earlier remark. There was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
"There's more to it than power," Kai answered carefully, sensing that this was a test from the clan head.
Kai hadn't expected Fugaku to bring this up so soon—but he knew he had to act. If he wanted to influence the Uchiha patriarch, he had to play the long game: sow ideas, plant doubts, and nudge Fugaku toward action at the right time.
He had an advantage, though. Anyone who had read the history of the Uchiha knew that Fugaku's flaw was hesitation—uncertainty in the face of hard choices. Kai intended to exploit that, gradually tightening his hold on the man.
"Hm?" Fugaku raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of tea before looking directly at Kai. "You have more to say, Kai-kun?"
"Patriarch…" Kai spun the teacup in his hand, casting a glance at Itachi nearby. "What I'm about to say might be nothing more than personal speculation. It may be uncomfortable to hear. Are you sure this… 'chick' is ready to listen?"
"Chicks grow into hawks," Fugaku said, frowning slightly before sighing. "Say what you will, Kai-kun."
"Understood, Patriarch." Kai set down his cup and narrowed his eyes slightly. "During my time in the archives, I found numerous accounts—personal records, old mission logs, notes on the Sharingan, and the activities of the Police Force. Some of them were vague, but they painted a compelling picture."
These documents were fragmented, incomplete. But they told enough of a story. And Kai had pieced together something that went beyond theory.
"The conflict between the Uchiha and the village… it's a product of an imbalance of power. And I suspect the roots of this imbalance go back to the policies of the Second Hokage. As for the original cause…"
Kai's voice trailed off for a moment before he concluded:
"...was it not Madara Uchiha himself?"
With a soft clink, Fugaku's teacup slipped from his hand and struck the table.