"Inoichi, thank you.
Keep what happened today a secret, and don't involve yourself further.
Go back."
Hiruzen's tone was gentle—
but any sane man could hear the icy edge beneath his words.
Inoichi nodded.
He didn't need the Hokage to remind him. He knew perfectly well—
If word of this ever leaked, it would trigger chaos.
"Understood. Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave."
Without hesitation, he rose and departed.
It was clear enough—he wanted no part in this storm.
Only after Inoichi left did Hiruzen's face twist into a hideous snarl.
"Danzo! Koharu! Homura!
Such ruthless hands you play—you dared strike at my son?
Is this a warning to me?
Because I made you bear the blame, because I had you handle the dirty work, and you began to suspect?
But why?
Why Shinnosuke?
Of all people, why my son?"
His voice was cold as steel.
Yes—he was truly shaken.
His three so-called old friends had gone far too far.
To Hiruzen, Sarutobi Shinnosuke was the only rightful successor of the clan, even his chosen Fifth Hokage.
And now—
all of that lay in ruins.
He collapsed to the floor, body weak and trembling, his face suddenly aged by ten years.
Meanwhile—
After leaving the Sarutobi compound, Inoichi didn't go straight home.
Instead, as he passed through a side alley, he split off a shadow clone to return to his house, while his real body concealed his presence and made for Nara Shikaku's residence.
There was no helping it.
The Yamanaka were not strategists—when it came to analysis, only the Nara could be relied upon.
And since the Ino–Shika–Cho were inseparable, such matters could never be hidden from Shikaku.
Hiruzen himself surely understood this as well. It was simply that the implications were too ugly, so Inoichi had to handle things discreetly.
Twenty minutes later, at the Nara estate.
Shikaku had only just seen off Nara Kōji and was about to wash up for bed, weary from travel.
So when Inoichi suddenly appeared at his door, he froze in surprise.
"Inoichi? What brings you here?"
"The matter's complicated. Let's speak inside."
Shikaku instantly understood. He knew Inoichi's temperament well.
Without wasting time, he led him into the tea room, while Yoshino tactfully went to prepare tea for them.
Seeing Shikaku's fatigue, Inoichi dispensed with formalities and, without pause, poured out everything that had just transpired at the Sarutobi compound.
"Shikaku, something's wrong!
By your past predictions, the Hokage faction wouldn't fight among themselves until after the great clans were crushed.
But look now—
The Uchiha aren't defeated, the Hyuga aren't even in play—and already they're turning on each other!
And worse, the elders have struck at Sarutobi Shinnosuke, the only one fit to lead the clan, even the Fifth Hokage candidate!
Are we looking at open war?
It feels like the Hokage faction is about to collapse.
Shouldn't we be finding a fallback for our clans?"
Inoichi's face was tight with worry.
Tonight had opened his eyes. The Hokage faction was far more ruthless than he had imagined.
Shikaku too was shaken.
Just tonight, meeting Hiruzen and learning of the Uchiha and Minato situation had already shocked him.
But now—
before even a day had passed—Shinnosuke dead?
And not by enemies, but slain through the schemes of Hiruzen's own old comrades?
He rubbed his temples, thinking deeply.
Only after a long silence did he answer.
"Inoichi, don't rush.
I just returned tonight, and I don't yet know all that's happened. I can't give conclusions until I understand the full picture of what went on between Hiruzen and the elders.
But one thing is certain:
As long as Hiruzen hasn't stepped down, the Ino–Shika–Cho will stand with him, right or wrong.
That was the vow we made when the village was founded—whoever wears the Hokage's hat, we support.
Still, don't be afraid.
Remember the old rules our clans passed down since the founding?
It's time to put them to use.
Our clan's Kazama was a sworn brother to Uchiha Kai. When Kai left the village fearing the Hokage faction would move against the Uchiha, it was Kōji who stayed behind to safeguard them.
And when the war at the Hidden Stone front ends, and our shinobi return, Kōji plans to lead half the Nara to join the Uchiha.
Of course, half the Yamanaka and Akimichi as well—his gift to them.
I had planned to tell you in a few days, but since you came tonight, you should know now.
So rest easy.
Even if the Hokage faction falls, the Ino–Shika–Cho have a retreat prepared."
Yes.
He could not yet explain everything. Until he had clarity on what transpired in his absence, he could not give Inoichi the final judgment.
But he knew Inoichi's nerves were rattled, and as sworn allies, such matters could not be hidden.
So he gave him reassurance.
And indeed—
Inoichi, tense a moment ago, finally exhaled in relief.
After a pause, he nodded slowly.
"Uchiha Kai… Yes, he's a strong choice. That boy has both power and cunning.
With him rising, the odds are high.
The Uchiha have already allied with the Aburame and the Inuzuka. If we add the Ino–Shika–Cho to their side, their strength may even rival the Hokage faction outright.
Shikaku… it's always you.
You planned this so far in advance.
Now I can rest easier."
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