Naruto: I Became a Sword Saint in Konoha Chapter 15 15: The Disappearance of the Senju

Upon returning ho, Hoshiyomi Gekkō stared at the two scrolls in his hands, deep in thought. He couldn't believe these were rely tokens of exchange or simple gifts. Even the affluent Senju clan wouldn't be so extravagantly generous without reason.

This seed less like an exchange and more like an investnt.

Trading Tobirama's swordsmanship insights in exchange for his goodwill—or perhaps even allegiance—towards Mito and Tsunade? But why would Mito go to such lengths?

Gekkō keenly sensed that this was undoubtedly connected to the mass disappearance of the Senju clan mbers. To uncover the truth, he imdiately delved into his adoptive father's study upon returning ho.

After so searching, he finally found notes left by his adoptive father, detailing how the First Hokage had integrated so clan mbers into the civilian population.

In these notes, his adoptive father praised this strategy, calling it the most brilliant decision made by the First Hokage after founding Konoha.

There were two ingenious aspects to this plan. First, it effectively restrained other clans and gradually elevated the concept of the village above that of individual clans.

Initially, Konoha was a coalition of several major clans, which continued to attract civilians, eventually forming the true Konoha.

However, this structure had a hidden risk. While the major clans had united during peaceti, there was no guarantee of their unwavering loyalty.

So, how could they prevent other clans from rebelling or defecting from Konoha?

The solution was simple: the Senju clan integrated their mbers among the civilians, building hos around other clans' territories. Any suspicious activity would be imdiately noticed.

If a clan attempted to rebel, even a seemingly ordinary neighbor could report them, leading the Senju to unite with other clans to suppress the threat. Resistance was futile.

Moreover, by continuously influencing those around them, telling them that their clan was part of Konoha, over decades, even their descendants would proudly identify as Konoha's own. This sense of belonging naturally elevated the village's concept above that of individual clans.

Over ti, while soone might still boast about their clan's superiority within the village, outside of Konoha, everyone would identify simply as Konoha shinobi.

The second aspect was breaking the monopoly of the major clans over the ninja profession.

Konoha's foundation relied on a strong and obedient ninja force. If ninjas remained under the exclusive control of clans, the village's stability would be at risk if a clan left or beca too dominant.

To prevent such scenarios, civilian ninjas were essential.

Without clan-based training, civilian ninjas would rely entirely on the village for their developnt, fostering deep gratitude and loyalty, and resentnt towards the dominance of bloodline clans.

These civilian ninjas would beco the core force resisting clan monopolies and the backbone of Konoha's peace.

But where would these civilian ninjas co from? From the Senju clan.

By integrating so Senju mbers into the civilian population and encouraging intermarriage, their talented offspring would have the opportunity to beco ninjas.

Furthermore, if the leading Senju clan actively married civilians, other clans would at least follow suit in appearance.

This approach would produce a new generation of civilian ninjas.

Then, through the ninja academy, these civilian ninjas could be trained alongside clan descendants, all indoctrinated with the Will of Fire.

This dual strategy of indoctrination and training civilian ninjas was highly effective.

However, recalling the desolate Senju district, Gekkō felt that the reality starkly contrasted with his adoptive father's records.

The current state of the Senju district didn't reflect a partial integration—it was as if everything had been sacrificed.

While integrating so clan mbers into the village was a sound strategy, assimilating the entire clan seed excessively foolish.

Hashirama, with his straightforward nature, might have made such a decision, but Tobirama would never have allowed his brother to make such a reckless choice.

Even as a transmigrator, Gekkō couldn't discern the truth behind these events.

anwhile, in the Senju district, Mito was also reflecting on the events of the past two years.

In fact, Gekkō's adoptive father's records were accurate, but significant changes occurred afterward.

Under normal circumstances, as long as Hashirama and Tobirama remained in power, the Senju clan could have successfully implented this plan, transforming Konoha into a unified entity.

Even if no future Senju mbers rose to prominence, this plan, combined with a large number of civilian ninjas, would have ensured Konoha's long-term peace.

But fate had other plans. Shortly after the plan's initiation, Madara returned, controlling the Nine-Tails.

The battle between Hashirama and Madara at the Valley of the End left Hashirama gravely injured. He only had a few years left to spend with Tsunade before passing away.

Following Hashirama's death, other ninja villages instigated the First Great Ninja War.

Most of Hashirama's loyal subordinates perished in this war. Even Tobirama died during peace negotiations, sacrificing himself to protect his team.

With both Hashirama and Tobirama gone, the previously favorable situation deteriorated rapidly.

Ambitious individuals within the village began to stir, and with ongoing battles at the frontlines, Konoha faced threats both internally and externally.

Tobirama had appointed Hiruzen Sarutobi as his successor, who might one day beco a capable Hokage. But at that ti, he was still too young. If not for Mito's presence behind the scenes, Konoha might have been divided by those ambitious individuals.

In this context, the once-brilliant plan beca a shackle for the Senju clan.

Originally, they could have used their hidden strength to deter these ambitious individuals.

But now, with their mbers dispersed, recalling them wasn't easy. It wasn't that the integrated Senju mbers were unwilling to return, but doing so would affect the perceptions of other clans.

This form of surveillance had always been tacitly accepted. However, during warti, suddenly recalling all mbers would raise suspicions.

Such a rash move would play right into the hands of those ambitious individuals. If they seized the opportunity to incite other clans to rebel, Hashirama's lifelong efforts in establishing Konoha would be in vain.

To prevent this, Mito took a desperate gamble.