The Third's Balance Shifted
Hokage Office.
The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke. Although Shikaku Nara disliked trouble, his clever mind quickly grasped the whole story.
He was afraid of trouble, but the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans was clearly part of the Hokage Faction, especially his own clan, which was known as the Hokage's strategist; he would never be able to get rid of them.
Seeing that Shikaku Nara, the Third Hokage slowly put down his pipe and said hoarsely, "The Anbu Captain visited the Nara Clan three days ago, although you were on duty at the time."
The Third Hokage's simple words instantly made Shikaku Nara's expression turn serious, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. The Third Hokage was giving him a warning.
"Hokage-sama, I only learned of this after I returned."
Although Shikaku Nara was from the Hokage Faction, the intelligent man did not want to get involved. After all, no one above had made a statement, and the current Third Hokage was not yet old enough to Chunin Ninja Exams; his fighting strength was still barely at its peak.
Listening to Shikaku Nara's explanation, the Third Hokage slowly shook his head and sighed, "Shinnosuke is quite strong for his age, but he still can't convince everyone."
After those words, Shikaku Nara's mind raced. He looked up at the Third Hokage's silent expression, as if trying to decipher the Third Hokage's thoughts.
"Hokage-sama, the Anbu Captain Jonin Squad Leader." In an instant Shikaku Nara deduced that the Third Hokage's scales had tipped, and he respectfully uttered these words.
Their conversation seemed disjointed, yet it was filled with veiled discussions.
Since the Third Hokage mentioned Shinnosuke, it proves that his heart has strayed. From a selfish perspective, this is his son, and having two Hokage from the same family is enough to ensure that the names of the father and son will be remembered for generations to come.
From an official standpoint, Konoha had barely caught its breath after the Third Shinobi War- Nine-Tails Disaster struck, and the loss of the Fourth Hokage was a devastating blow, adding insult to injury. Konoha could not withstand any more turmoil. Or rather, the Third Hokage's political philosophy had always been to seek stability, so he chose the most prudent candidate for the transfer of power.
Shikaku Nara tentatively mentioned the position, which is currently held by Shin'nosuke Sarutobi the Anbu, who is now stationed at the border.
When Shikaku Nara up the position of captain of the Jonin Commander, then Shin'nosuke Sarutobi, could only move up the ranks.
Thinking of this, Shikaku Nara nervously swallowed. His mind was one thing, but this was the Hokage, the one who held the power of life and death over Konoha, the strongest of the Five Great Nations.
Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly refilled the pipe, and with his near-perfect mastery of Chakra nature, he easily lit the tobacco through the ordinary wooden pipe.
Smoke filled the office once more. Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly lowered his Hokage Hat and said in a deep voice, "The village cannot afford any more turmoil. Orochimaru's personality would bring uncontrollable changes to Konoha if he were in this position. If the village were at its peak, Orochimaru would be the best candidate."
Hiruzen Sarutobi always sought victory through stability, as his position as the village's Kage did not allow him to take risks; his personality predetermined his fate.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head and looked out the window towards the Hokage Rock, his cloudy eyes filled with confusion. He murmured to himself, "Sensei, I'm doing this for Konoha."
Was Hiruzen Sarutobi wrong? Shikaku Nara sighed softly as he thought about this. Politics has never been about right or wrong.
If stability is the priority, then the most secure way to transfer power will be chosen. The next Hokage will inherit his village governance philosophy, and the village will become strong again within ten years at most.
Orochimaru knew that if Hiruzen Sarutobi became the Fifth Generation, he might lead Konoha to new heights, but he could also plunge Konoha into a deep abyss of decline.
Orochimaru faced two major political crises upon taking power, which Hiruzen Sarutobi could not accept. One was the unrest that would occur in the village during the change of power.
Secondly, Orochimaru's political ideology is completely in conflict with his own, which would likely plunge the village into war. At that time, there are only two possible outcomes: either Konoha will once again dominate the Shinobi World under Orochimaru's leadership, or Konoha's remaining forces will be depleted once more.
"Hokage-sama, the Nara Clan requests permission to go to the border to assist Shinnosuke."
Shikaku Nara was definitely a smart man. After the Third Hokage made his statement, he knew that Orochimaru, who had abandoned the unpredictable factor, was likely to cause a major event in the village soon. He didn't want to get involved, but he also wanted to choose a side. The best way was to go to the front line.
Seeing Shikaku Nara's respectful demeanor, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't expose his ulterior motives. Instead, he sighed wistfully, "The front lines really need someone like you, Nara Shikaku, to assist Shinnosuke."
The Third Hokage's words immediately brought a smile to Shikaku Nara's face; it was practically a promise that he would become the Jonin Squad Leader in the future.
Although it's a position without much real power, its status is on par with the Six Major Department Heads of Konoha. In war or special times, it's entirely possible to command a legion.
"When you get to the front lines, please do me a favor and tell Shinnosuke to put more effort into his training. I can help him for a while, but I can't necessarily help him forever."
Strength! Shin'nosuke Sarutobi meets all the requirements except for strength. As for Prestige? With all the high-ranking officials backing him, there is no issue of insufficient Prestige.
If the village's Kage's strength is insufficient, it will be a disgrace to Konoha and a laughing stock in the Shinobi World.
Shikaku Nara. He was away from the center of the village's struggles and could also get close to the future Hokage —a win-win situation.
Unfortunately, no one expected that Orochimaru would defect, and the Eldest Son of the Third Hokage and daughter-in-law would be killed. The Third Hokage ended up with nothing, and even plunged Konoha into turmoil.
It seems that the only winner was Shikaku Nara, who became the captain of the Konoha Jonin team.
A dark shadow appeared behind him like a flea, Shikaku Nara, who had just come out of the Hokage Building, gave a wry smile.
"Minister, the Third Hokage has ordered me to go to the border to assist Shinnosuke."
Seeing Shikaku Nara's wry smile, clearly indicating his reluctance to get too involved in the political struggle, the Anbu Captain chuckled lightly, his eyes, visible only beneath his mask, brimming with a confident smile.
"Jonin Squad Leader Nara Shikaku, don't worry, we never intended to hide any of this from the Hokage."
Looking at this Anbu Captain, who was also the Third Hokage's Eldest Daughter-in-law, Shikaku Nara showed no outward expression, but inwardly he was filled with apprehension.
This woman is no simpleton. She uses only overt schemes, completely understanding the Third Hokage's thoughts. She doesn't hide anything, exposing everything to the Hokage's very eyes.
Very clever. If the Third Hokage hadn't tacitly approved, he would have intervened long ago. It's clear that this Hokage acquiesced.
This person has accurately grasped the Third Hokage's political philosophy of seeking stability, which is why he has been so unscrupulous in contacting various high-ranking officials in Konoha.
I need your support.