Times Have Changed

Honestly, the younger Nara Shikaku was quite the looker.

At first glance, he was almost identical to Nara Shikamaru, sporting the Nara clan's signature ponytail and wearing a green Chunin vest.

His demeanor was calm and steady, and his experience in handling matters was incredibly sharp. It was no wonder that Hiruzen Sarutobi entrusted him with important responsibilities at such a young age.

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

As Uchiha Sōgetsu happened to be free recently, he nodded in agreement.

"Not at all, no need to be polite."

A smile tugged at Nara Shikaku's lips as he humbly said, "With a genius from the Uchiha clan participating in this Chunin Exam, I feel much more at ease. Please lend your full assistance."

After exchanging some insincere pleasantries, the two left the Uchiha Residence together.

"I've heard that you, Sōgetsu, are quite skilled in Genjutsus?"

As they walked, Nara Shikaku suddenly brought up the topic out of the blue, seemingly with a hidden meaning.

"Hm? That's correct, Mr. Shikaku."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Sōgetsu pushed up his glasses and calmly replied, "My Sharingan seems to have more talent in illusions. Why do you suddenly ask about this, Mr. Shikaku?"

He subtly activated his Spiritual Vision, taking in Nara Shikaku's thoughts, emotions, and state of being.

Alertness, suspicion, confusion. Nara Shikaku's mental and emotional activity was quite frequent.

"Ah, hahahaha. It's nothing, just a bit curious."

A glint flashed in Nara Shikaku's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, pretending to make small talk. "To be honest, I've had something on my mind lately. I heard you're very good at this, and I was thinking of trying your psychological therapy."

"Oh, I see. If it's for you, Mr. Shikaku, I can offer you a 20% discount," Uchiha Sōgetsu said gently.

Neither his response nor his facial expression showed any flaws.

"Mm, after I finish with things these days, I'll definitely come try it out."

Nara Shikaku carefully averted his gaze, temporarily suppressing his doubts and not dwelling on the issue. "Let's hurry, others should have arrived already."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Shikaku."

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

Indeed, Danzo's series of antics, while not very effective, had finally drawn the attention of those in power.

From Nara Shikaku's repeated probing, it was highly likely that he had received instructions from Hiruzen Sarutobi to secretly investigate whether his Genjutsu, Wish Fulfillment, had any tendency to harm Konoha.

If he guessed correctly, besides Nara Shikaku, there should be someone else investigating this matter.

The only clan in Konoha proficient in the mental realm, the Yamanaka clan from Ino-Shika-Cho.

"Heh heh, go ahead, investigate all you want."

Regarding being secretly investigated, Uchiha Sōgetsu was not worried at all; in fact, he was looking forward to it.

Although he had implanted psychological suggestions in those individuals during their treatment, he had already anticipated being investigated and had hidden them deep within their mental islands.

Even if Yamanaka Inoichi invaded their minds and thoroughly examined everyone, he would absolutely not be able to find the 'suggestions' he left behind.

The reason for his confidence, of course, came from the uniqueness of the 'Spectator' pathway.

A dignified Sequence 6 Extraordinary of the Spectator pathway, if he were easily discovered, he might as well switch to the 'Thief' pathway next door.

While lost in thought, they arrived at the Hokage Building.

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

First were the three advisors, led by the Hokage, followed by well-known figures of the new generation, such as Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze, representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, and the Hyuga clan representative.

Except for Danzo, who was probably furious after just being stripped of his power.

Was a mere Chunin Exam worth gathering so many people?

Uchiha Sōgetsu found it a bit strange. While the Chunin Exam was important, it wasn't important enough to involve the entire Konoha political elite.

He keenly realized that this Chunin Exam was likely not going to be simple.

"Since everyone is here, let's officially begin."

Hiruzen Sarutobi cleared his throat and tapped his pipe on the table. "This Chunin Exam is different from previous ones. Given the current severe situation in the Ninja World, I intend to reform the old system and invite Sunagakure and Iwagakure to jointly host this Chunin Exam. Everyone, please share your thoughts."

The leader's words set the tone for the entire meeting, implying that it was time for them to come up with solutions.

Uchiha Sōgetsu, sitting at the far end, glanced at Orochimaru, only to find him seemingly lost in thought, appearing indifferent.

"Hiruzen, I disagree with your decision."

Utatane Koharu, an advisor to the Hokage, couldn't hold back and retorted, "Your idea is too dangerous. What if someone with ill intentions tries to sneak attack Konoha from within?"

"That's right, Hiruzen, I agree with Koharu's opinion."

Mitokado Homura followed suit, bringing up the Second Hokage. "Don't forget, the Chunin system was established by Teacher Tobirama. Making drastic changes to the system would be more trouble than it's worth!"

Seeing the two advisors showing no respect, even the exceptionally composed Hiruzen Sarutobi's face twitched. He turned his gaze to Nara Shikaku.

"Forgive my bluntness, but the concerns of the two advisors are indeed valid."

Nara Shikaku, having received the cue, knew it was his turn to speak. He organized his thoughts. "However, I believe Lord Hokage's decision clearly has more benefits than drawbacks."

Before the two advisors could retort, he continued, "First, after the Second Hokage's death, the great ninja villages only entered a temporary truce. The situation is becoming increasingly tense, and we absolutely cannot sit idly by. At this time, the Hokage has invited the Iwagakure and Sunagakure, intending to form an alliance first, and on the other hand, to 'show our muscles'."

Orochimaru's lips twitched, a flicker of mockery in his eyes, but he still didn't interject.

"Esteemed advisors, war never delays because we fear it."

Shikaku Nara said gravely, his thoughts clear, "Therefore, we must prepare in advance. We cannot be like last time. We must unite allies in advance and simultaneously demonstrate our 'strength,' letting them know that even though the Second Hokage is gone, Konoha today is still not a force they can contend with!"

"This..."

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances. They clearly hadn't thought that deeply and hesitated.

"Cough, cough, indeed, what Shikaku said is very correct."

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and said slowly, "That's exactly what I meant, Koharu, Homura. Times have changed."

The scroll unfurled, revealing the dagger!

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

As soon as these words were spoken, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's expressions changed instantly.

At the same time, the representative from the Hyuga Clan also changed his expression slightly.

It was clear that everyone understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's implied meaning.

This was no longer the era of the Second Hokage, but his era—the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi's era!

Refuse?

Impossible!

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances, seeing helplessness on each other's faces.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's momentum was now unstoppable, leaving them no room to refuse. What choice did they have but to agree?

December 25th, clear skies, gloomy heart.

My condition worsened, continuing IV drips at the hospital, my bones ache all over