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Naruto Shippuden is one of the most popular anime series in the world. The series follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a ninja aspiring to become the Hokage, the highest leader of the Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha). In Naruto's journey, he encounters various characters and clans with extraordinary histories and powers. One of the most renowned clans is the Uchiha Clan, known for the Sharingan, eyes capable of casting illusions, controlling fire, and manipulating reality.
One of the most mysterious Sharingan techniques is Izanami, a technique that manipulates someone's fate by trapping them in a repetitive illusion. This technique was first introduced in Naruto Shippuden episode 338, where Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha's brother, narrates his history to his younger sibling. Itachi explains that Izanami was created as a response to the misuse of Izanagi, a technique that alters reality according to the user's desires. Izanami aims to punish those who refuse to accept reality and attempt to change it with Izanagi.
Itachi also provides a flashback to how Izanami was first used in a war between the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan, a clan known for its formidable physical abilities and elemental powers. This war occurred during the early days of the establishment of Konoha, the village founded by Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, leaders of the respective clans. However, not all members of the clans agreed with the peace forged by Hashirama and Madara. Some members still desired to continue their hostilities and engage in mutual killing.
In the flashback, the ancestors of the Uchiha Clan are seen fighting against a force wearing costumes that, judging by their appearance, belongs to the Senju Clan. Some individuals from the Uchiha Clan are seen wearing the Konoha headband, indicating their support for the peace advocated by Hashirama and Madara. However, in the Senju Clan portion, neither Hashirama nor Tobirama, his brother and the second Hokage, is visible. This raises the question of when this war actually took place.
Several possibilities can answer this question. First, the war occurred during Hashirama's era, but Hashirama and Tobirama did not participate for some reason. Perhaps they were elsewhere, or they chose not to get involved in the internal conflict between their clans. Second, the war occurred during Tobirama's era, after Hashirama's death. Tobirama might have abstained for the same reasons as Hashirama, or he could have been dealing with a more significant threat. Third, the war occurred during Hiruzen's era, the third Hokage and a disciple of Tobirama. Hashirama and Tobirama might have already passed away, or they might have retired from the position of Hokage. Hiruzen might not have participated because he prioritized village affairs as a whole or remained unaware of the war.
Among these possibilities, the third scenario is the most plausible. The reasons are as follows:
1. The war could not have occurred during Hashirama's era, as he highly valued peace and friendship. He would not allow a war between clans to happen under his leadership, especially involving a clan he considered as brethren—the Uchiha Clan. He would also not leave the village without a strong reason, as he was responsible for the village's security and well-being. If he did not participate in the war, he would undoubtedly send envoys or representatives to peacefully resolve the issue.
2. The war could not have occurred during Tobirama's era, as Tobirama was a wise and authoritative figure. He would not permit a war between clans under his leadership, especially involving a clan he respected—the Senju Clan. He would also not leave the village without a compelling reason, as he, too, was responsible for the village's safety and well-being. If he did not participate in the war, he would likely send forces or ninja to forcefully halt the conflict.
3. The war is most likely to have occurred during Hiruzen's era, as Hiruzen was a compassionate and tolerant individual. He might have allowed the war between clans to happen, respecting the freedom and will of each clan. He might not have participated in the war because he prioritized the village's overall affairs, which could have been more complex and pressing than an inter-clan war. He might also have been unaware of the war, as he might not have received accurate reports or information from spies or scouts.
Thus, it can be concluded that the war between the Uchiha and Senju Clans in Naruto Shippuden episode 338 took place during Hiruzen's era, the third Hokage. This war is a crucial event in the history of Konoha, as it marks the first use of Izanami, a Sharingan technique that can manipulate destiny. The war also illustrates the difficulty of creating and maintaining peace between clans with different histories and powers. This war is one of the reasons why Sasuke Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha's younger brother, seeks revenge against the Hidden Leaf Village, believing that the village betrayed and destroyed the Uchiha Clan.
