Nara Shikaku sat with a composed air.
This mask of calm was the one he wore best before outsiders. After all, as a strategist, appearances mattered.
But behind that mask, his gaze couldn't help flicking toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Hokage's face was sallow, his eyes sunken with malice, his whole body radiating killing intent. Clearly—he was truly enraged.
Hiruzen, pipe in hand, coughed hoarsely when he saw Shikaku.
"Oh, Shikaku. You're here. I need your help with something."
"Last night, Anbu Captain Shinnosuke's death was confirmed.
For now we can't trace the real culprit, but this matter needs to be closed quickly.
Tell me… could this have been Uchiha's doing?"
His tone was slow, heavy.
Yes. After a long night of brooding, he hated Danzo, Koharu, and Homura with all his heart.
But still—now was not the time to bare his fangs.
So he had decided: let the Uchiha take the blame.
They were enemies already. Why not strike them? Even if it didn't destroy them outright, it would weaken and disgust them.
Besides, he was in a rush. He wanted to destroy the Uchiha, crush the Hyuga, and then avenge his son.
And only then would he deal with his so-called "old friends."
But—
Shikaku didn't even pause to think before he raised his hand, firmly refusing.
"Hokage-sama, absolutely not.
Konoha is weaker now than ever—we cannot afford civil strife.
What we need is unity. At the very least, we must first finish this war before we start thinking of such things.
If we let the village fracture before the external battles are settled, the consequences will be unbearable for us all!"
Yes.
He spoke from genuine concern.
Even if half the Nara had pledged themselves to the Uchiha, Shikaku himself would still give his all to advise Hiruzen.
That was the Nara way of survival.
And Hiruzen understood.
Though his fury burned, his reason had not left him. Otherwise he'd already have stormed off to settle things with Danzo and the others.
His push to blame the Uchiha was born of desperation, of impatience.
But after Shikaku's words, that heat subsided. He knew Shikaku was right.
After a long silence, he ground his teeth and asked:
"Then, Shikaku… What do you propose we do?"
"Old trick," Shikaku replied at once. "Blame the Cloud. They've pulled underhanded stunts too many times—their reputation is already in tatters.
Better to smear them further. That would even benefit Konoha's position."
Hiruzen frowned. He hadn't expected that. But the more he thought about it, the more sense it made.
If not Uchiha, then why not Cloud? They already had a history of treachery.
At length, he nodded.
"Mm. Very well. Let it be done."
He drew deeply on his pipe, then added:
"One more thing, Shikaku. At one o'clock this afternoon, convene the Jōnin Council."
He left the reason unsaid. By custom, Shikaku could have refused—summoning the council fell under his authority as Jōnin Commander.
But Shikaku didn't hesitate.
Whatever he might scheme within his clan, before the outside world he was steadfastly Sarutobi's man.
The Hokage had spoken—he would carry it out.
"Understood. No problem. Time is tight, I'll prepare right away. Hokage-sama, I take my leave."
With Hiruzen's nod, Shikaku bowed and withdrew.
Hiruzen watched his back retreat, eyes flickering.
In the past, he'd always turned to Danzo and the others for counsel. But after last night, their bond was ashes.
For the sake of the village he couldn't yet break with them—but trust them again? Impossible.
And so the true value of the Ino–Shika–Cho showed itself.
Even if they could never be his closest allies, as long as he held the village's reins, they would never betray him.
That was why he had tested Shikaku today.
And the result was good.
Shikaku had obeyed without question, carrying out his command faithfully.
Someone he could trust.
Afternoon, one o'clock.
Third floor of the Hokage Tower.
The Jōnin Council Chamber.
Elite shinobi from all major clans, as well as many civilian-born Jounin, were gathered.
When the Uchiha arrived, the room fell silent.
All eyes turned their way—then a wave of murmurs followed.
Yes.
Compared to the last council meeting, the once-isolated Uchiha were now flanked by the Aburame and Inuzuka, plus a scattering of minor clans.
They still lagged behind the Hokage's faction in raw strength, but the growth was undeniable.
And so, many present began to waver.
Should they invest early—while the Uchiha were still weak?
The only ones looking sour were the Hyuga.
They had long vied with the Uchiha for the title of Konoha's "Number One Clan."
But as the Uchiha grew stronger, the Hyuga declined. Their faces darkened, bitterness plain.
Even clan head Hiashi and his brother Hizashi wore ugly scowls.
But the Uchiha no longer spared them a glance.
Their members beamed with pride, strutting like victorious cockerels.
Uchiha Kai could only sigh helplessly.
He wanted to tell them to keep a lower profile. But given the occasion, he let it go.
Instead, his eyes narrowed as he glanced at the still-absent "Konoha F4."
And he muttered under his breath:
"Honestly… What's the point of yet another Jōnin meeting?
Just what kind of scheme is our dear Hokage cooking up this time?"
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