Although Ay looked down on the Uzumaki Clan, there was undeniable truth in their history. The Uzumaki had been a powerful force during the Warring States Period, frequently aiding the Senju Clan in their struggles. Their strength and expertise, particularly in sealing techniques, had played a crucial role in securing victories.
After the First Hokage's death, the Uzumaki Clan had seen Konoha as not just an ally but as family, brothers and sisters bound by shared history. Konoha became their second home. The Uzumaki had poured their resources, strength, and lives into supporting Konoha during the last two Ninja World Wars, exhausting themselves in the process.
Despite their sacrifices, they had never asked for much in return, believing in the bonds they had forged with the Senju and the village they helped build.
Still, Ay couldn't help but question whether the Uzumaki had grown too comfortable, relying too much on past alliances and their previous strength. But deep down, he knew that Konoha owed much to the Uzumaki Clan, even if they hadn't always recognized it, as currently, civilians in Konkha and new ninjas don't even know of the Uzumaki their ally.
The Uzumaki Clan, in their unwavering trust in Konoha's strength, believed that as long as the village stood, they would remain untouched and safe from danger. With this belief firmly entrenched, many members of the clan grew complacent. Rather than continuing to train as ninjas, they embraced the life of nobility, enjoying the comforts of their position and the peace that Konoha's presence promised.
The Uzumaki ruled the Land of Uzumaki, their status as a powerful clan allowing them to enjoy a more privileged, peaceful life. However, in doing so, they failed to recognize the growing resentment from others.
Their once-proud heritage, once a symbol of strength and resilience, had now become a thorn in the side of neighboring lands and clans, who saw their perceived weakness and complacency as an opportunity to challenge their dominance.
The Uzumaki had become a target, not realizing that their own peace had made them vulnerable to those who no longer viewed them as the formidable clan they once were.
Dodai nodded, his expression serious. "The higher-ups in Konoha have likely blocked any news of the upcoming attack on the Uzumaki village," he said, his voice low but firm. "They'll keep it hidden until the last possible moment, and by then, Uzumaki Mito and others won't have enough time to act."
He paused for a moment, his gaze scanning the room as if weighing the significance of the situation. "From what we've gathered from our spies, there is no sign of panic or any significant movement within Konoha. Even the border is still guarded by the usual ninja army, and the frequency of patrols has dropped."
"Only the ANBU, under direct orders from the Hokage, seem to be active. It's as if they don't want word to leak about the movements of the ninja army, especially regarding the Uzumaki Clan."
Marui and the others exchanged glances, their expressions tense as they absorbed the information. Marui spoke first, his voice grave. "It seems the villages' suspicions were correct. The Third Hokage is working to make the Senju disappear perhaps to erase any trace of their power, starting with the Uzumaki."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on everyone. If the Hokage was indeed orchestrating such a plan, the implications would be devastating, at this moment they were glad that Kumogakure had only one clan and one faction.
Only Dodai and Ay were thinking. "Looks like Ron's guess was right!!"
If Ron was here he would say not only that he's right, but that 3rd Hokage and higher-ups in Konoha were stupid and greedy.
In the ninja world the clans close to Otutsuki blood, Uzumaki, Senju, and Uchiha, were superior to civilian ninjas, as long as they worked hard and did not die in the middle, with enough experience and growth, each member of these clans can become at least a Special-Jonin, most being Jonin in their high 20's at the least.
These clans never had the chance to thrive during the Warring States Period, their potential stifled by constant warfare and relentless sacrifices. Without the time to grow their numbers or fully realize their strength, their power remained untapped. Later the Uchiha and Hyūga were so formidable that they could have faced the entirety of Kirigakure during the Third Ninja World War, standing alone without the aid of other clans or civilian support.
Ron imagined a different reality one where these powerful clans had not been driven to extinction. In his mind, Konoha would have been far stronger and more resilient after the Third Ninja World War. Instead, when the anime began, the village was left with only a frail and aging Third Hokage, Danzo scheming in the shadows, and Jiraiya wandering the world. The leaders of other clans were barely Jonin, many having sacrificed their lives in the war.
Currently, even with years of suppression, the Uchiha Clan still managed to produce two Kage-level individuals, a testament to their latent strength. Meanwhile, the leaders of other clans like Ino-Shika-Cho, now elite Jonin or quasi-Kage, had just enough power to hold their own against shadow-level threats for a while. Ron couldn't help but wonder; if these clans had been allowed to thrive, Konoha would not have been so vulnerable, teetering on the edge of ruin.
Of course, such a future would only be possible if Naruto and Sasuke had never existed, along with the extraordinary "cheats" they received from the Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo. Furthermore, without the Fourth Ninja World War where Jonin were practically helpless chickens compared to the overwhelming enemies they faced the other four Great Ninja Villages might have triumphed over Konoha, altering the course of history entirely.