The Times Have Changed

It had to be said that the young Shikaku Nara had been quite the handsome man.

At first glance, he looked almost identical to Shikamaru Nara, with the Nara Clan's signature ponytail and a green jonin flak jacket.

With his calm, steady temperament and seasoned way of dealing with people, it was no wonder Hiruzen Sarutobi had entrusted him with important duties at such a young age.

"Thank you for your hard work. Since it is Lord Hokage's order, let's leave now."

Having nothing to do lately anyway, Uchiha Sōgetsu nodded in agreement.

"Not at all. No need to be polite."

A smile tugged at the corner of Shikaku Nara's lips as he humbly said, "With a genius from the Uchiha Clan participating in this Chunin Exam, I feel much more at ease. I hope you will lend us your assistance."

After exchanging a round of insincere pleasantries, the two left the Uchiha Residence together.

"I heard that you are particularly skilled in Genjutsu, Sōgetsu?"

As they walked, Shikaku Nara suddenly brought it up for no apparent reason, and he seemed to be implying something.

"Hmm? That is true, Mr. Shikaku."

Hearing this, Uchiha Sōgetsu adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "My Sharingan seems to be more gifted in Genjutsu. Why did you suddenly ask about this, Mr. Shikaku?"

He quietly activated Spiritual Vision, taking in Shikaku Nara's thoughts, emotions, condition, and everything else.

Wariness, suspicion, confusion. Shikaku Nara's mental and emotional activity was remarkably frequent.

"Ah, hahaha. It was nothing, just a little curiosity."

A glint flashed through Shikaku Nara's eyes, but he swiftly concealed it. Pretending to make casual conversation, he said, "To be honest, I have had some worries lately. I heard you are quite skilled in this area, Sōgetsu, so I thought I might try your psychological therapy."

"I see. Since it is you, Mr. Shikaku, I can give you a twenty percent discount." Uchiha Sōgetsu spoke gently.

There was not the slightest flaw in either his response or expression.

"Mm, once this busy period is over, I will definitely give it a try."

Shikaku Nara cautiously shifted his gaze away, temporarily suppressing his suspicions. He no longer pursued the matter. "Let's hurry. The others should already be there."

"Mm, all right, Mr. Shikaku."

Uchiha Sōgetsu's expression remained unchanged, as steady as a mountain.

Sure enough, although Danzo's series of antics had not accomplished much, they had ultimately drawn the attention of those above.

Judging by Shikaku Nara's repeated probing, he had most likely been instructed by Hiruzen Sarutobi to secretly investigate whether his Genjutsu: Wish Fulfillment showed any tendency to harm Konoha.

If his guess was correct, there should have been one other person investigating this matter besides Shikaku Nara.

The only clan in Konoha proficient in matters of the mind—the Yamanaka Clan of Ino-Shika-Cho.

"Heh. Go ahead, investigate all you want."

Uchiha Sōgetsu was not worried in the slightest about being secretly investigated. If anything, he was looking forward to it.

Although he had planted Psychological Suggestions in those people during their treatments, he had anticipated an investigation long ago and hidden them deep within their Mind Islands.

Even if Inoichi Yamanaka invaded their minds and thoroughly examined every one of them, he would never find the "suggestions" Sōgetsu had left behind.

As for the reason for his confidence, it naturally came from the unique nature of the Spectator Pathway.

If a Sequence 6 Spectator Pathway Beyonder could be discovered so easily, he might as well stop being a Spectator and boldly switch to the neighboring Thief Pathway.

While he was thinking, they arrived at the Hokage Building.

Several people were already seated in the room. At a glance, they were mostly representatives of Konoha's current high-ranking officials and rising generation.

First were the three led by the Hokage, including the Councilors. Next came notable figures of the younger generation, such as Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze, representatives of the three Ino-Shika-Cho clans, and a representative of the Hyuga Clan.

Danzo was absent, presumably because he had just been stripped of power and was still fuming.

Was it really necessary to gather so many people for a mere Chunin Exam?

Uchiha Sōgetsu found it somewhat strange. While the Chunin Exam was important, it was not important enough to require the participation of Konoha's entire political upper echelon.

He keenly realized that this Chunin Exam was probably not so simple.

"Since everyone is here, let us begin officially."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a light cough and tapped the bowl of his pipe against the table. "This Chunin Exam will differ from previous ones. Given the current harsh situation in the Shinobi World, I intend to reform the outdated system and invite Sunagakure and Iwagakure to jointly host this Chunin Exam. Tell me what you all think."

With a single sentence from the leader, the tone of the entire meeting was set. The meaning was clear: it was time for them to propose solutions.

Seated at the very end, Uchiha Sōgetsu glanced at Orochimaru, only to find him seemingly lost in thought, utterly indifferent.

"Hiruzen, I do not agree with your decision."

Utatane Koharu, one of the Hokage Advisors, was the first to lose her patience. She objected, "Your idea is too dangerous. What if someone harbors ill intentions and plans to use this opportunity to launch a surprise attack within Konoha?"

"Indeed, Hiruzen. I agree with Koharu."

Mitokado Homura followed immediately after, invoking the Second Hokage. "Do not forget that the Chunin system was established by Teacher Tobirama. Rashly changing the system would do more harm than good!"

Seeing the two advisors show him no respect at all, even the usually composed Hiruzen Sarutobi could not stop his face from twitching. He turned his gaze toward Shikaku Nara.

"With all due respect, the concerns of the two advisors are indeed not without merit."

Having received the signal, Shikaku Nara knew it was his turn. After gathering his thoughts, he said, "However, I believe Lord Hokage's decision clearly has more benefits than drawbacks."

Before the two advisors could rebut him, he continued, "First, after the Second Hokage's passing, the major Hidden Villages merely entered a temporary truce. The situation is now growing increasingly tense, and we absolutely cannot sit and wait for death. By inviting Iwagakure and Sunagakure at this time, Lord Hokage intends, on one hand, to take the initiative in forming alliances, and on the other, to display our strength."

Orochimaru's lips twitched, and what seemed like mockery flashed in his eyes, but he still did not interrupt.

"Two advisors, war has never been postponed because we fear it."

Shikaku Nara said in a deep voice, his reasoning clear. "Therefore, we must prepare in advance. We cannot be like last time. We must unite our allies beforehand while displaying our own 'strength,' letting them know that although the Second Hokage has passed away, the Konoha of today remains an existence they cannot contend with!"

"This..."

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances. They clearly had not considered matters so deeply, and they hesitated.

"Ahem, yes, Shikaku is right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and said unhurriedly, "That is exactly what I mean. Koharu, Homura, the times have changed."

The map was revealed, and the dagger appeared!

After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally bared his fangs.

The moment those words were spoken, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's expressions changed drastically.

At the same time, the representative of the Hyuga Clan also paled slightly.

Clearly, everyone understood the meaning behind Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

This was no longer the era of the Second Hokage. It was his era—the era of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!

Refuse?

Impossible!

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged looks, both wearing helpless expressions.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had already built an overwhelming position of power. They had no right to refuse him at all. What could they do even if they disagreed?

December 25th, sunny. Gloomy at heart.

My illness worsened. I continued going to the hospital for IV drips. Every bone in my body hurt...