Chapter 86 The Ino–Shika–Chō Choice
"Now that Jiraiya-sama is back, the Hokage-sama can probably relax a bit more," Shikaku Nara said casually.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention in appointing Jiraiya as Hokage advisor at this time was very clear: to prepare the way for Jiraiya to become the next Hokage.
However, Shikaku Nara had no intention of discussing this topic further. Although both he and Danzō Shimura were called Hokage advisors, Danzō Shimura controlled a force that even the Hokage could not easily interfere with, making him almost equivalent to an Executive Vice Hokage. Shikaku Nara, on the other hand, was merely responsible for giving advice and handling routine affairs, with no real authority. Because of this, he knew it was best to stay silent on the issue of the village's successor.
Moreover, Shikaku Nara truly did not believe Jiraiya was a suitable Hokage candidate. Ordinary villagers might not know, but all high-ranking ninja understood Jiraiya's situation well. If Jiraiya became Hokage, would it truly be Jiraiya in charge, or Mount Myōboku? That was hard to say.
"Shikaku Nara, Jiraiya has just returned and still doesn't fully understand the village. He'll need your assistance," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
"Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama should indeed familiarize himself with village affairs as soon as possible," Shikaku Nara replied.
Seeing Shikaku Nara avoid the topic, Hiruzen Sarutobi understood his thoughts. Still, he had no real choice. Of his three former disciples, Orochimaru had already severed ties with him, and Tsunade's status and prestige were such that if she refused to return, even he could not force her. The only one he could bring back was Jiraiya.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and looked at Shikaku Nara with nostalgia. "Shikaku Nara, time really flies. When you, Inoichi, and Chōza swore the Earring Oath, you had just graduated from the Ninja Academy. Now you've all become pillars of the village, while I have grown old."
Hearing this, Shikaku Nara felt uneasy. He understood that Hiruzen was pushing him to speak on behalf of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Since the Hokage had already lowered himself to speak this way, refusing would be ungrateful.
Shikaku Nara sighed inwardly. Although after the village's founding the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were no longer mere vassals of the Sarutobi clan, the tradition of swearing the Earring Oath before the Sarutobi clan leader still remained. Since Hiruzen had brought it up, he could not refuse.
"Your subordinate is ignorant. Please speak frankly, Hokage-sama," Shikaku Nara said, standing up and bowing.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed slightly. He knew this request was too much for the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, who had always supported him. Historically, the Sarutobi clan provided protection with its strength, while the Ino-Shika-Cho clans offered strategy and intelligence.
But now, Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to push them to the front, forcing the three clans to stake their future on supporting Jiraiya.
This brought them no benefit. Even if they succeeded, their position in the village would not improve much. But if they failed, they would lose everything they had built over the years.
This was also why, during the previous martial law incident, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had been restrained by the weaker Inuzuka and Aburame clans.
"Shikaku, I hope you can help Jiraiya become the Fifth Hokage," Hiruzen Sarutobi said firmly.
Silence fell over the office.
"Is this an order, Hokage-sama?" NaraShikaku Nara finally asked.
"No. This is my personal request," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied.
Shikaku Nara's expression shifted slightly. "This matter is extremely important. Please give me some time to consider it."
"Of course," Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Discuss it with Inoichi and Chōza."
"Your subordinate takes his leave," Shikaku Nara said, bowing.
After Shikaku Nara left, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe and pondered the village's future.
He knew that even if the Ino-Shika-Cho trio agreed, the relationship between their clans and the Sarutobi clan would never be the same again.
At the very least, the Sarutobi clan would no longer have the right to witness the next Earring Oath.
…
After returning home, Shikaku Nara planned to immediately call his two old friends. However, he noticed Shikamaru sitting on the roof, staring blankly at the stars.
"Shikamaru, come down for a moment," Shikaku Nara called.
"What is it, Dad?" Shikamaru asked as he snapped out of his daze.
"Come down first. I need to talk to you," Shikaku said.
"Tch, troublesome," Shikamaru muttered as he jumped down and followed his father inside.
Shikaku led him to the study and set up a Go board.
Seeing this, Shikamaru's scalp tingled. This meant the topic would be extremely troublesome.
After many moves, the game remained tense.
"Shikamaru, the second son of the Uchiha clan—he's your classmate, right?" Shikaku Nara asked.
"You mean Sasuke? Yeah," Shikamaru nodded.
"What's your relationship like?"
"It's fine. We didn't talk much before, but lately he's always with Naruto. Chōji and I join them too. Ino keeps pestering him," Shikamaru said.
"I see," Shikaku nodded. "I didn't expect other kids besides Chōji would play with you."
"Dad, that's harsh," Shikamaru said flatly.
"Haha. When I was your age, only Chōza and Inoichi would play with me," Shikaku said.
"Dad, what are you really trying to say?" Shikamaru asked.
"Invite your friends over sometime," Shikaku said. "We should thank them for putting up with you."
"Those two are the troublesome ones," Shikamaru sighed.
"I'm going to talk with Chōza and Inoichi now," Shikaku said, standing up.
"Hey, at least put the board away!" Shikamaru shouted, but his father had already left.
After hearing Shikamaru's words, Nara Shikaku felt lighter as he headed toward the Akimichi clan.
He understood clearly that Jiraiya was not truly the Third Hokage's chosen successor, but simply the last card he could play. If given a choice, Shikaku would rather support the Uchiha than back someone tied to a summoning beast.
Yet the Third Hokage had bound them to Jiraiya's doomed gamble.
Still, Shikamaru's words had given him hope.
The defeat of the current Ino-Shika-Cho was inevitable, but hope remained for the future.
"Then let us be the sacrifices of the old era," Shikaku thought as he entered the Yamanaka clan territory.
In the following days, all ninja clans learned that Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin had become a Hokage advisor, and rumors spread that he would be nominated as the Fifth Hokage.
Even Uchiha Touhuan and Kakashi, who had just returned from their mission, heard the news.
Kakashi looked at Uchiha Touhuan. "What do you think?"
"Why are you asking me?" Uchiha Touhuan shrugged. "We locked up the future Fifth Hokage for seven days. If he wants revenge, neither of us will escape."
"Should we expose his spying?" Kakashi asked.
"Not now," Uchiha Touhuan shook his head. "This alone won't bring him down. It's only useful at a critical moment."
"Then we just do our jobs," Kakashi said.
"The Hokage is chosen by the jonin's vote," Uchiha Touhuan replied calmly.
After parting ways, Kakashi went to the cemetery and stood before Obito's grave.
"Obito, I think I've found my path," he said softly.
"I hope that in the future, no one repeats our mistakes."
Kakashi left.
Moments later, space distorted above the grave, and a masked man appeared.
"A new world?" he scoffed. "Ridiculous."
Obito Uchiha had been busy in Kirigakure and had not paid attention to Konoha. Only after Black Zetsu's reminder did he return.
"Obito, two more members of your clan have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan," Black Zetsu said. "One of them has a close relationship with your old friend. You should know him—the Azure Lightning Dokku from the Third Shinobi World War."
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(End of Chapter)