Meanwhile, on the other side.
Nara Shikaku, having left the Hokage Office, had a deeply obscured look in his eyes. After he reached an unpopulated area, he suddenly split off a Shadow Clone and sent it toward the clan territory, while he himself openly returned to his own office.
Ten minutes later.
Nara Shikaku's Shadow Clone, having arrived at the clan territory, immediately sent someone to invite Inoichi Yamanaka and Akimichi Choza.
Ever since Minato Namikaze passed away and Hiruzen Sarutobi took power, the two of them had essentially been idle at home. Only Nara Shikaku's mind was still considered useful, which was why he barely managed to secure the empty title of Advisor, giving him an utterly useless office in the Hokage Building.
Soon after.
After Inoichi Yamanaka and Akimichi Choza came in and took their seats, Nara Shikaku personally began brewing tea for the two of them.
"Today isn't a day off, is it?"
"Shikaku, why aren't you at work? How can you be enjoying tea at home?"
"Don't tell me—your Advisor position was revoked too?"
Inoichi Yamanaka quickly spoke up.
His expression was extremely grim. Since all the Ino–Shika–Chō positions had been revoked, it was difficult to protect the various businesses within their clans. The three families were only barely managing to get by in Konoha, primarily relying on Nara Shikaku's reputation as an Advisor.
If Nara Shikaku's Advisor status were revoked, could their family businesses still be protected?
How would their clan members survive in the future?
In response to this.
Nara Shikaku shook his head, a faint smile on his face.
"Gentlemen, there's no need to worry."
"My Advisor position hasn't been revoked. I am merely a Shadow Clone right now."
Almost instantly.
Although their immediate worries decreased upon hearing this, their expressions became even more solemn.
For Nara Shikaku to urgently contact them using a Shadow Clone while he was supposed to be at work, the severity of the situation must be considerable.
"Shikaku, what happened?" Inoichi Yamanaka quickly asked.
Nara Shikaku did not hide anything. After sighing, he slowly said, "Uchiha Jin survived Danzo's assassination attempt. This morning, Kakashi resigned from his Anbu position, and the crucial point is that the Uchiha helped submit the resignation letter."
Hiss!
As Nara Shikaku spoke, Inoichi Yamanaka and Akimichi Choza instantly drew a sharp breath.
On one hand.
Uchiha Jin's strength surpassed their imagination!
But more importantly—Kakashi!
One must know that his identity was extraordinary. Although he appeared to be alone, he actually had two forces supporting him.
The first force was Sakumo Hatake!
As the person with the highest popular support for Fourth Hokage back then, he had successively served as the Intelligence Department Head, Jonin Commander, Anbu Commander, and even briefly as a Frontline Commander.
He had many followers back then and carried the symbolism of the Hokage Mantle... This was also why Hiruzen Sarutobi was so wary of Sakumo Hatake and resorted to dirty tricks to eliminate him.
Although Sakumo Hatake's era was long ago, there was still a faction of people who, though perhaps inconspicuous in daily life, would certainly help Kakashi if he ran into trouble.
Of course.
This particular force might not amount to much due to the passage of time.
However, similarly.
Kakashi also had a second force behind him: Minato Namikaze's supporters from back then.
As Minato Namikaze's only surviving disciple, before Uzumaki Naruto matured, he naturally had the right to rally Minato Namikaze's faction. This was also why Kakashi eventually became the Sixth Hokage in the original story.
Even the current clan heads of the Ino–Shika–Chō could be considered part of the Minato Namikaze faction; otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi would not have suppressed their three clans after regaining power.
The Oath of the Earrings between the Ino–Shika–Chō and Sarutobi clans had already become more symbolic than practical the moment they chose to support Minato Namikaze.
But, there was no choice!
Who could have imagined that the brilliant, young Minato Namikaze would die so soon?
Therefore.
These two forces had been formless and invisible over the years, only choosing to lay dormant because Kakashi himself was listless.
So, what about now?
"Inoichi, Choza, we can't wait any longer."
"In accordance with our previous plan, immediately mobilize our clan members."
"And—let's double the effort!"
"Each of our Ino–Shika–Chō clans will send half of our members, along with half of our family resources, to immediately join the Uchiha side."
Nara Shikaku's tone was serious.
In response.
Inoichi Yamanaka and Akimichi Choza pondered for a moment, then finally nodded heavily.
They had no choice!
Uchiha Jin had already proven himself. If they didn't invest soon, and Uchiha Jin truly won in the future, would there still be a place for the Ino–Shika–Chō in Konoha?
"Alright, understood."
"Actually, the personnel and resources have long been prepared. I just need to go back and give the orders later."
Akimichi Choza was the first to speak.
In matters concerning the future of the Ino–Shika–Chō, he felt his own judgment was insufficient, so he naturally followed the Nara clan's instructions entirely.
Inoichi Yamanaka, however, couldn't help but speak up: "Wait, Shikaku."
"Uchiha Jin isn't easy to fool. If we only send half our clan members, are you sure the Ino–Shika–Chō will have a future?"
"Hiruzen Sarutobi and his people are finished anyway, and Jiraiya and Tsunade can't be relied upon. Why don't we just gamble everything this time?"
In response to this.
Upon hearing these words, Nara Shikaku was stunned.
Even though he was only a Shadow Clone, his thought process was identical to the original, so he immediately began to consider the matter carefully.
However, moments later.
He still shook his head, his tone very firm.
"No, let's stick to the original plan."
"As the saying goes, plans change quickly. Didn't we just suffer a loss because of Minato?"
"Who could have imagined back then that the young, powerful Minato would suddenly die less than a year after becoming Hokage?"
"So—let's play it safe!"
"Our primary goal is survival. Only by ensuring survival can we qualify to talk about development."
"Even if Uchiha Jin truly takes the position of Kage, the Village will eventually require the Ino–Shika–Chō to help manage the myriad of complex affairs. That will be the time for the Ino–Shika–Chō to truly exert their influence."
"For now, let's be steady."
"Who knows if the seemingly strong Uchiha Jin might suddenly fail? Therefore, betting on both sides, while it might damage our reputation, maximizes the chances of our clans surviving."
"Although Hiruzen Sarutobi's side appears weak, he still holds the villagers' support, and there are Tsunade and Jiraiya outside."
"The outcome—is still unknown!"
Nara Shikaku's tone was heavy.
Upon hearing this, Inoichi Yamanaka and Akimichi Choza couldn't help but recall that little sun—Minato Namikaze!
Ultimately.
They nodded solemnly!