Meanwhile, elsewhere.
After leaving the Hokage Office, Nara Shikaku's eyes were dark and unreadable. Once he reached a deserted place, he suddenly created a Shadow Clone and sent it toward the Clan Compound, while he himself openly returned to his office.
Ten minutes later.
Upon returning to the Clan Compound, Nara Shikaku's Shadow Clone immediately had someone invite Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza.
Ever since Namikaze Minato's death and Sarutobi Hiruzen's return to power, the two of them had essentially been left idle at home. Only Nara Shikaku's mind was still somewhat useful, allowing him to barely retain the empty title of Advisor and an almost useless office in the Hokage Building.
Not long after.
Once Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza entered and took their seats, Nara Shikaku personally began making tea for them.
"Today isn't a day off, is it?"
"Shikaku, why aren't you at work? You're even in the mood to drink tea at home?"
"Don't tell me—your Advisor position was revoked too?"
Yamanaka Inoichi hurriedly spoke.
His expression had become extremely unpleasant. With all of Ino-Shika-Cho's positions having been stripped away, it had become difficult to protect the various businesses of their clans. The three clans could still barely get by in Konoha only because Nara Shikaku's Advisor title was holding things together.
If Nara Shikaku's Advisor status was revoked as well, could their clan businesses still be preserved?
How would their clansmen survive from now on?
However.
Nara Shikaku shook his head, a faint smile on his face.
"You two, don't worry."
"My Advisor position hasn't been revoked. I'm only a Shadow Clone right now."
Almost instantly.
Although the two men's worries eased considerably upon hearing this, their expressions became even graver.
For Nara Shikaku to urgently contact them with a Shadow Clone even while he