Chapter 50: Times Have Changed
It must be said that Nara Shikaku was quite handsome in his youth.
At first glance, he looked almost exactly like his future son Shikamaru would—the Nara clan's signature high ponytail, wearing the standard green Jonin vest over his uniform.
His calm and composed demeanor, coupled with his exceptional skill in navigating political situations, explained why Hiruzen Sarutobi had entrusted him with important responsibilities at such a young age.
"Thank you for coming to get me. Since it's the Hokage's order, let's head over now."
Having nothing particularly pressing to do recently, Uchiha Kazuki nodded in agreement.
"Not at all. No need for formality."
Nara Shikaku smiled humbly. "Having a genius from the Uchiha clan involved in the Chunin Exams puts my mind at ease. I look forward to working with you."
The two exchanged polite but somewhat insincere pleasantries before leaving the Uchiha compound together.
"I've heard you're exceptionally skilled with genjutsu, Kazuki?"
As they walked through Konoha's streets, Nara Shikaku suddenly brought up the topic, his tone seemingly casual but carrying hidden intent.
"Hmm? That's correct, Shikaku-san."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Kazuki adjusted his glasses, speaking calmly. "My Sharingan does seem to have particular aptitude for genjutsu techniques. Why do you ask?"
He subtly activated his spiritual vision, reading Nara Shikaku's emotional state, thoughts, and mental condition.
Vigilance, suspicion, uncertainty—Shikaku's emotional turbulence was quite pronounced.
"Ah, haha. Nothing serious, just curious."
A calculating glint flashed in Nara Shikaku's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, pretending to make casual conversation. "To be honest, I've been somewhat troubled lately. I heard you're quite skilled in psychological therapy, Kazuki. I'm considering giving your services a try."
"I see. For you, Shikaku-san, I can offer a 20% discount," Uchiha Kazuki replied smoothly.
Neither his answer nor his facial expression revealed any hint of concern or deception.
"Yes, I'll definitely schedule something once this busy period is over."
Nara Shikaku carefully averted his gaze, temporarily suppressing his doubts and deciding not to press the matter further. "Let's hurry. The others should already be assembled."
"Of course, Shikaku-san."
Uchiha Kazuki's expression remained unchanged, steady as stone.
As expected.
Danzō's recent series of actions, though largely unsuccessful, had ultimately attracted the attention of the higher-ups.
Judging from Nara Shikaku's several subtle probing attempts, it was highly likely he'd received instructions from Hiruzen Sarutobi to secretly investigate whether Kazuki's genjutsu technique—the one he called "Psychological Suggestion"—posed any potential threat to Konoha's security.
If his assessment was correct, besides Nara Shikaku, there should be at least one other person investigating this matter: someone from the Yamanaka clan, the only family in Konoha truly proficient in mental techniques among the Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
Heh. Investigate all you want.
Uchiha Kazuki was completely unfazed by the secret investigation—in fact, he almost welcomed it.
Although he'd planted psychological suggestions in his patients during the treatment process, he'd already anticipated potential investigation. The suggestions were hidden deep within the subconscious minds of his targets, buried in the metaphorical "island of consciousness."
Even if Yamanaka Inoichi personally invaded everyone's mind and thoroughly examined their mental state, it would be absolutely impossible to find any traces of the "hints" he'd left behind.
The reason for his confidence stemmed from the unique nature of his Spectator pathway abilities.
A Sequence 6 Spectator—if such manipulation could be easily discovered, he might as well give up the pathway entirely and switch to something else like the Thief pathway instead.
Lost in these thoughts, they arrived at the Hokage Building.
Several people were already seated inside the conference room. At a glance, they were mostly representatives of Konoha's current leadership and the rising generation of elite shinobi.
First, there was the Hokage himself, followed by all three members of the advisory council. Then came prominent figures of the new generation—Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze, representatives from the Ino-Shika-Chō clans, and a representative from the Hyūga clan.
Notably absent was Danzō, who was probably still sulking after being stripped of much of his authority.
But why gather so many high-ranking officials for a mere Chunin Exam?
Uchiha Kazuki immediately sensed something was off. While the Chunin Exams were certainly important, they weren't typically important enough to warrant assembling essentially the entire Konoha political elite in one room.
He keenly realized this Chunin Exam was probably far more significant than it appeared.
"Since everyone has arrived, let's officially begin."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly and tapped his pipe against the table. "This year's Chunin Exam will be different from all previous iterations. Given the increasingly tense geopolitical situation throughout the shinobi world, I've decided to reform the traditional system. I'm proposing we invite both Sunagakure and Iwagakure to co-host this year's Chunin Exams with us. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on this matter."
The Hokage's opening statement set the tone for the entire meeting—this was essentially a done deal, and now it was time for everyone to figure out the implementation details.
Sitting at the very end of the table, Uchiha Kazuki glanced toward Orochimaru, only to find the Sannin appearing lost in thought, seemingly indifferent to the entire discussion.
"Hiruzen, I strongly disagree with your decision."
Koharu Utatane, one of the Hokage's senior advisors, couldn't hold back any longer and immediately objected. "Your proposal is far too dangerous. What if one of these villages has ulterior motives and plans to use this opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Konoha?"
"That's correct, Hiruzen. I share Koharu's concerns."
Homura Mitokado quickly followed her lead, then invoked the authority of their former teacher. "Don't forget—the Chunin examination system was established by Tobirama-sensei himself. Rashly changing his system would be disrespectful to his legacy!"
Seeing that both advisors were showing him no respect whatsoever, even the normally composed Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but let a muscle twitch in his jaw. He turned his gaze meaningfully toward Nara Shikaku.
"Forgive my bluntness, but the concerns raised by the honored advisors do have some merit."
Nara Shikaku, having received his cue, knew it was time for him to speak. He organized his thoughts carefully. "However, I believe the Hokage's decision offers significantly more benefits than risks."
Before either advisor could interrupt, he continued smoothly: "First, after the Second Hokage's passing, the major shinobi villages only temporarily ceased open hostilities. The current geopolitical situation is becoming increasingly unstable, and we absolutely cannot afford to be passive. The Hokage's invitation to Iwagakure and Sunagakure serves two purposes: first, to establish preliminary alliances, and second, to demonstrate our military strength."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a subtle sneer, a hint of mockery flashing in his serpentine eyes, though he still didn't interrupt.
"Honored advisors, war never waits for us to feel ready."
Nara Shikaku's voice carried weight and conviction. "Therefore, we must prepare in advance. We cannot repeat the strategic mistakes of the past. We must secure our allies beforehand and demonstrate our capabilities, making it crystal clear that although the Second Hokage is gone, Konoha remains a force that cannot be challenged!"
"This..."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged uncertain glances, clearly not having considered the matter from this strategic perspective. They hesitated, their objections weakening.
"Ahem. Well said, Shikaku. That's exactly correct."
Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his pipe deliberately and spoke with measured authority. "That's precisely my reasoning. Koharu, Homura... times have changed."
There it is.
After all that careful maneuvering, Sarutobi Hiruzen had finally revealed his true intentions.
Upon hearing those loaded words, both Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's expressions changed dramatically.
Simultaneously, the Hyūga clan representative's face also shifted noticeably.
Everyone present immediately understood the deeper implication behind the Hokage's statement.
This is no longer the era of the Second Hokage. This is the era of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Refuse?
Impossible.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged another glance, both their faces showing resignation and helplessness.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's political power was now unshakeable. They had no real authority to refuse his decisions. What could they possibly do even if they disagreed?
The message was clear: adapt to the new reality, or become irrelevant.
[End of Chapter 50]
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