Multiversal Wanderer: Starting in Naruto-Chapter 36: The Leader’s Final Choice

"Why is Konoha's leader taking so long to be decided? The village is practically built, yet we still don't have a leader?"

"It has to be someone from the Uchiha clan! Who else could it be?"

"Exactly! What is there to even consider? Since ancient times, leadership has always been determined by strength. And right now, the Uchiha are the strongest in Konoha. Does anyone have any objections?"

In the Uchiha compound, the sentiment was unanimous—there was no doubt in their minds that Konoha's first leader should be an Uchiha. They had fought through the bloody battlefields of the Warring States Period, carving out their reputation with sheer power. To them, strength was the only qualification that mattered.

However, the other clans remained hesitant. It was clear they were unwilling to accept Uchiha dominance. Despite the peace agreement, fear of the Uchiha's power still lingered.

Among the Senju clan, only Hashirama believed the Uchiha should take the leadership role. The rest, including Tobirama and the other Senju elders, staunchly opposed the idea.

---

Tobirama stood firmly, arms crossed, his expression resolute.

"Brother, listen to me," Tobirama said coldly. "I will never agree to Uchiha Madara becoming Konoha's leader. It's absolutely impossible. Not only me—none of our clan members will support it. The Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi, Sarutobi, and Shimura clans won't either. You're wasting your breath."

Tobirama turned away, dismissing his brother's request with a rare defiance. This was the first time he openly disregarded Hashirama's opinion.

Hashirama furrowed his brow, clearly frustrated.

"Tobirama, our dream has finally come true," he said, his voice heavy with disbelief. "Does it really matter who leads the village? We're on the brink of peace—are you really willing to delay everything over such a trivial matter?"

Tobirama's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp with barely contained anger.

"Brother, you're too naïve!" he snapped. "Do you have any idea why the smaller clans refuse to support the Uchiha? It's because right now, they hold all the power! They have Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Su Xiuyu! Two living 'Ninja Gods'! Why would the other clans back us when the Uchiha are so overwhelmingly strong?"

He glared at his brother, frustration spilling over.

"Do you even understand the situation we're in? You keep clinging to your ideals, but you're ignoring reality! Even though you're the God of Shinobi, there are now two shinobi of equal power on the Uchiha's side! Meanwhile, we Senju are clinging to alliances with smaller clans just to stay relevant. Have you even considered what that means for our clan's future?"

Hashirama opened his mouth to respond but fell silent. He could see the genuine anger in Tobirama's eyes. He realized that his younger brother wasn't being stubborn out of pride—he was genuinely afraid of what lay ahead.

But no matter how much Tobirama warned him, Hashirama still couldn't fully grasp his concerns. He believed, with all his heart, that people could learn to trust one another.

---

Tobirama, however, remained on guard.

His suspicions had only grown after studying the Uchiha's Sharingan. The ease with which they gained power through emotional extremes disturbed him. Both Madara and Izuna had awakened their Mangekyō Sharingan through immense emotional trauma—a process that Tobirama believed could easily drive them mad.

But Su Xiuyu was different.

Unlike the others, Su Xiuyu's Sharingan had awakened without any known emotional trigger. No amount of information Tobirama gathered could explain how he had gained such power. The mystery surrounding Su Xiuyu—the sheer unknown—terrified him far more than Madara or Izuna ever could.

In his heart, Tobirama feared Su Xiuyu the most. The man's strength rivaled even Hashirama's, and his enigmatic origins only made him more dangerous.

But Tobirama could never voice these thoughts.

He knew his brother would dismiss his concerns, or worse, share them with Su Xiuyu out of trust. Hashirama was too transparent, too open with those he cared for. If he confided in him, it would only put the Senju at a greater disadvantage.

Tobirama clenched his fists, his voice cold and resolute.

"Brother, think carefully about this," he warned. "The leader of Konoha can only come from the Senju. No matter how bright the future seems, the Uchiha cannot be allowed to take control. Not now. Not ever."

Without waiting for a reply, Tobirama turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Hashirama let out a heavy sigh.

---

Uchiha compound.

Meanwhile, Madara, Izuna, and Su Xiuyu were enjoying a tea ceremony prepared by Rei.

Madara took a slow sip and let out a genuine sigh of appreciation.

"Rei's tea ceremony really is exceptional," he praised.

For a clan known for their fiery tempers, the Uchiha weren't exactly known for their patience. Tea ceremonies were more fitting for the calm and composed Nara clan. When the Nara drank tea, they gave off the aura of wise strategists. When the Uchiha drank tea, they looked like they were about to shatter the cups in their hands.

After a brief silence, Madara turned to Su Xiuyu.

"Xiuyu, do you think we should fight for Konoha's leadership?" Madara's voice was casual, but his eyes were sharp. He already had an answer in his heart—he just wanted to hear Su Xiuyu and Izuna's thoughts.

Izuna didn't hesitate.

"Brother, we have to fight for the position," he declared. "It's not just about pride—it's about securing the future of the Uchiha. If we let this chance slip away, the Senju will always hold power over us. We can't allow that."

Madara's eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze shifted to Su Xiuyu, who had remained silent.

Su Xiuyu set his teacup down and met Madara's eyes.

"Madara," he said evenly, "you already know the answer in your heart."

Madara's hand paused mid-air, still holding his teacup.

"You want to fight for it, but you don't want to destroy the fragile peace we just built," Su Xiuyu continued calmly. "You know that if you go all-in, the peace agreement will be meaningless. The Uchiha will win the fight—but the village will lose the dream."

Madara's hand lowered slowly, placing the cup back on the table. His long hair partially veiled his face as he gazed out the window, watching the bustling village outside.

"Yes," Madara murmured softly. "You're right. I can see the situation clearly, but I can't bring myself to break this village apart. It's... it's been my dream since I was a child. I can't let it be destroyed again."

There was a rare tenderness in his voice—one no one would expect from the man who would one day be known as the God of Destruction.

Su Xiuyu's gaze softened.

"Madara, the world is vast," he said quietly. "Even beyond this world, there are places we can't even imagine. Konoha is just one small part of it. To you, it may be a lifelong dream. But in the grand scheme of things, it's only a tiny corner of reality."

He paused, then added with a faint smirk.

"Whether you choose to fight for leadership or let it go—I'll support you either way. After all, the truth and the power both rest in our hands."

Madara and Izuna exchanged glances before turning their full attention to Su Xiuyu, silently urging him to explain.

Seeing their expectant gazes, Su Xiuyu's expression turned serious.

"Fine," he said, smirking faintly. "I'll tell you a few secrets. But remember—this is for your ears only. It cannot be written in the Uchiha records."

Madara and Izuna nodded in unison. Whatever Su Xiuyu was about to reveal, they knew it was far more significant than they imagined.

-----

"Do you remember when we visited the site where the Hagoromo clan was massacred?" Su Xiuyu asked calmly, his eyes sharp. "Back then, I repeatedly warned you—especially you, Madara—not to be too curious."

Madara and Izuna exchanged glances, recalling the incident. Su Xiuyu had indeed stressed the danger several times. Madara had been tempted to investigate further, but in the end, the matter was left alone. Besides, only Su Xiuyu knew who the true perpetrator was. There was no other source of information.

But why was he bringing it up now? What did it have to do with Konoha's leadership dispute?

Su Xiuyu's eyes glimmered with hidden knowledge. He let the suspense hang in the air before speaking again.

"Tell me," he asked, his voice low but firm. "Have you ever truly wondered where the Uchiha clan's bloodline comes from?"

Both Madara and Izuna stilled, their interest piqued. Su Xiuyu's words seemed to carry a heavy weight, as if he was about to reveal a forbidden truth.

Madara leaned forward slightly.

"According to the clan's records," he began, "the Uchiha are said to be descended from the founder of the ninja world, the Sage of Six Paths. Of course, I always assumed it was just a self-glorifying legend."

He spoke casually, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. As someone who valued strength above all else, he had read the Uchiha clan's history extensively. Yet, he had always dismissed the part about divine lineage as mere fantasy.

Izuna, on the other hand, widened his eyes in disbelief.

"Wait... you're saying the clan records are real?" he asked, stunned.

Su Xiuyu nodded solemnly.

"Yes," he confirmed. "You guessed right. My Sharingan revealed the truth to me—the Uchiha do carry the blood of the Sage of Six Paths."

Madara's eyes narrowed slightly. He could sense that Su Xiuyu wasn't telling them everything—there was far more he was keeping hidden.

Su Xiuyu took a breath, carefully choosing his words. He knew he had to tread carefully. If he revealed too much, Madara might once again be consumed by wild ambitions, which could destroy everything they had built.

"Listen carefully," he continued. "The Senju clan also carries the bloodline of the Sage. That's why both the Senju and Uchiha are far stronger than the other ninja clans."

Madara's expression remained calm, but a glimmer of realization flashed in his eyes.

"That makes sense," he muttered. "If we carry the Sage's blood, then so must the Senju."

Su Xiuyu nodded.

"In simple terms, the Senju inherited the Sage's body—his physical prowess and life force. That's why they have vast chakra reserves and powerful vitality," he explained. "Meanwhile, the Uchiha inherited his eyes—hence your superior Dōjutsu."

Izuna's brow furrowed slightly, absorbing the information.

Su Xiuyu suddenly leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice.

"Let me say this now—don't underestimate the Byakugan," he warned. "You might think it's inferior to the Sharingan, but you're wrong. The Byakugan holds just as much potential."

Madara raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

"If the Byakugan is so powerful, then why doesn't the Hyuga clan have any top-tier shinobi?" Izuna asked, frowning. "They don't have anyone like you, Madara, or Hashirama."

Su Xiuyu smirked faintly.

"That's because the Hyuga are merely a branch clan of the Byakugan's true bloodline," he revealed. "Their main family? They live on the moon."

Both Madara and Izuna froze.

"The moon?" Izuna blurted out, incredulous.

Su Xiuyu chuckled softly at their shocked expressions.

"You're both focused on the wrong thing," he said with a sigh. "Don't waste time worrying about whether there's life on the moon. You should be asking yourselves—who exactly lives there."

Madara's eyes narrowed slightly, the sharp glint of a battle-hardened warrior flashing in them.

"Then why are we still wasting time in Konoha?" he asked, his voice filled with sudden resolve. "Let Hashirama play house with the Senju. We have an entire moon to conquer! If there's new territory, we should seize it."

Izuna's eyes lit up with excitement, clearly inspired by his brother's sudden boldness.

Su Xiuyu's expression darkened slightly. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.

"Hold on," he said sternly. "Can you two actually listen to me for once?"

He exhaled sharply and fixed them with a piercing gaze.

"Sure, we could go to the moon and fight for it," he admitted, "but we probably wouldn't win. At least not right now."

Madara scoffed, clearly unconvinced.

"Impossible," he shot back, confidence flashing in his eyes. "In this vast world, is there any place we can't reach? Any enemy we can't defeat? With the three of us together, we're unstoppable."

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Su Xiuyu shook his head, his expression calm but firm.

"Madara, I'm not trying to undermine your confidence," he said evenly. "But I'm telling you the truth—we might not win. Not yet. If you really want to conquer the moon, you'll need more power. We have to be patient and build our strength."

Before Madara could argue, Su Xiuyu reached out and lightly pushed him back into his seat.

"Just sit down and listen," he said with a faint smirk. "Trust me. This is going to be a long game."

Madara reluctantly complied, his eyes still smoldering with battle lust.

---

Su Xiuyu let the silence settle for a moment before continuing.

"There's no rush for the moon," he said. "We'll get there when the time is right. But before that, you need to understand the true nature of your Sharingan."

He turned to Madara and Izuna, his gaze sharp.

"Do you both remember when your Mangekyō Sharingan awakened?" he asked softly.

The brothers stiffened slightly. Their gazes turned distant as they recalled the memory.

"It was when Chisato was about to die," Madara murmured quietly.

Izuna's expression darkened at the mention of their shared grief.

"Exactly," Su Xiuyu said, his voice low. "Your Mangekyō only awakened under extreme emotional trauma. That's the Uchiha's defect —your greatest power is born from your greatest suffering."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"Of course," he added, "not every Uchiha will awaken the Mangekyō. Even intense trauma isn't always enough. Only those with both talent and strong emotional bonds have the potential. Without both, even the most severe pain will amount to nothing."

Madara and Izuna exchanged grim looks, clearly understanding the painful truth.

Su Xiuyu's gaze softened slightly.

"Only an Uchiha who truly loves is capable of awakening the Mangekyō," he explained. "The stronger the love—the deeper the despair—the greater the power."

Madara's eyes glimmered with something unreadable. Izuna clenched his fists.

"Power born of love and hate," Su Xiuyu muttered softly. "The Sharingan is the eye that reflects the soul—shaped by the deepest wishes of the heart."

He allowed them a moment of silence to process the truth.

---

Finally, Su Xiuyu's gaze shifted to Madara.

"You already know the side effects of the Mangekyō," he said calmly.

Madara nodded grimly.

"The more I use it, the more it takes from me," he admitted. "My body weakens. My eyes grow dim. Eventually... I'll go blind."

Su Xiuyu nodded slowly.

"But after you took Izuna's eyes, everything changed," he pointed out. "You no longer felt any discomfort. Your pupil power increased dramatically. And your Susanoo became complete."

Madara's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that Su Xiuyu knew far more about the Mangekyō than he had ever let on.

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