Invitation from the Nara Clan (Part 2)

After the meal, Shikaku, Shikamaru, and Neji went to the tea room. It was a simpler space than the Hyuga Clan's tea room, with several landscape paintings hanging on the walls, bookshelves filled with scrolls and books, and a small potted asparagus fern on the table adding a touch of elegance.

As the host, Shikaku began to brew tea. His technique was skillful and fluid, clearly demonstrating his expertise. Hot water was poured into the teapot, and the aroma of tea gradually filled the room, mingling with the subtle scholarly scent.

Shikaku respectfully offered the first cup of tea to Neji.

"Neji- kun," Shikaku began, his tone becoming more formal, "The matter of removing Orochimaru from the list of missing-nin ... is not progressing smoothly."

Neji took the teacup, but didn't drink it immediately. He simply swirled the cup gently, watching the tea leaves unfurl in the tea.

Shikaku continued, "Elders Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura are fixated on the fact that Orochimaru killed the Third Hokage. No matter what compensation or guarantee we propose, they resolutely oppose it."

His voice was calm, but Neji could hear the helplessness in it. That's how politics is; sometimes it's not that logic is flawed, but rather that emotions are irreconcilable.

Neji slowly picked up the teacup, gently blew away the steam, and took a small sip. The tea was warm and smooth, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste; it was indeed a fine tea.

"Shikaku- senpai," Neji put down his teacup, his voice calm and even, "I'm not very familiar with politics. But I was thinking, if all the evidence proving Lord Orochimaru killed the Third Hokage disappeared, or... if the key witness changed their testimony, do you think things would go more smoothly?"

These words were spoken lightly, but their meaning was profound.

Shikaku and Shikamaru both froze for a moment. Shikamaru's teacup even wobbled slightly, spilling a few drops of tea that left dark stains on the table.

Both of them understood Neji's unspoken meaning—if Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura "disappeared," or if they changed their tune, then the obstacle to Orochimaru's return would naturally disappear.

This was a blatant and undisguised threat. Although Neji's tone remained calm, even mild, the meaning behind his words sent chills down one's spine.

Shikaku, after all, was a man who had weathered many storms. He quickly regained his composure, offering an awkward, somewhat forced smile.

"Neji- kun, it's not that bad, it's not that bad. Currently, only Elders Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura are opposing it, and the daimyo's opposition is only symbolic; there's no real resistance."

He paused, then refilled Neji's teacup, his movements regaining their composure. "Actually, I already have a plan. I just need your help—to be a witness."

Neji raised an eyebrow, a hint of interest flashing in his Tenseigan: "I wonder what Shikaku- senpai's method is?"

Shikaku didn't mince words and went straight to the plan:

"To portray the Konoha Crush Operation as a conspiracy Akatsuki, who used Genjutsu to control Orochimaru, targeting Konoha."

He spoke slowly, each word clearly. "In other words, shift the blame onto the already destroyed Akatsuki, and portray Orochimaru as an unsuspecting, manipulated puppet."

Shikamaru listened intently, his dark eyes widening slightly. It was clearly the first time he had heard his father's complete plan.

"As long as we can create some 'evidence' to prove that this is Akatsuki conspiracy," Shikaku continued, tracing lines on the table with his finger, "Then revoking Orochimaru's S-Rank Missing-nin status will be a logical next step. After all, the victims shouldn't be convicted."

Neji quietly looked at Shikaku, his Tenseigan reflecting the calm face of this strategist.

As expected of Konoha's top strategist. This plan is not only ingenious, but also... utterly shameless. It whitewashes Orochimaru from a sinner who murdered his master into a manipulated victim. The Third's death becomes a conspiracy by the Akatsuki, and Orochimaru's responsibility is minimized—related, but not significant.

"So," Neji began slowly, "You want me to 'find' this evidence and then release it?"

Shikaku and nodded. "This is currently the most peaceful and bloodless method. If there is 'evidence' personally verified by a Six Paths Tier expert, it will be much more convincing."

He paused, then added, "Of course, the evidence needs to be 'real' enough. It needs some Akatsuki artifacts, some traces of Genjutsu control, some... seemingly irrefutable evidence."

Neji picked up his teacup and took another sip. The tea had gone cold, but its flavor remained rich and mellow.

"No problem," he put down his teacup, "I'll provide it as soon as possible."

Shikaku visibly relaxed, a genuine smile spreading across his face, "As long as the evidence is in place, I'm 80% confident I can persuade those two old guys. I'll handle things with Daimyo."

The conversation seemed to have come to an end. But Neji suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question:

"Shikaku- senpai, are you preparing for the Hokage election?"

The question silenced the tea room for a moment. Shikamaru looked abruptly at his father, his eyes filled with surprise— the Nara Clan had never produced Kage Level ninja; their strongest ninja throughout history had only been elite Jonin. Although his father was exceptionally intelligent, he had never shown any ambition for the Hokage Position.

Has the father's ambition grown after the institutional reforms?

Shikaku didn't answer immediately. He picked up his teacup, slowly finished the rest of the tea, and then put the cup down, his eyes hardening.

"Preparations are already underway."

Three words, yet they carry the weight of a thousand pounds.

Neji looked at Shikaku, a hint of admiration flashing in his Tenseigan. This wasn't blind ambition, but rather a clear understanding of his own abilities and the needs of the times.

"What changes does Shikaku want to bring about?" Neji asked. "To restore Konoha to its former glory? To improve the lives of the villagers?"

Shikaku met Neji's gaze, his voice steady and powerful:

"Making Orochimaru a member of the Elder Council is a signal in itself— Konoha's future development strategy will lean towards scientific research and the modernization of the ninja system."

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, a habitual gesture when he was thinking, "It's proven that science can significantly improve the strength of ninjas and enhance the overall strength of the village. If I become Hokage, I will greatly increase investment in scientific research, ensuring that Konoha's technological level remains far ahead in the Shinobi World."

Shikamaru listened quietly to his father's complete explanation of his political views, as this was the first time he had heard his father do so.

"The Ninja Academy needs a complete upgrade," Shikaku continued. "My plan is to stipulate that ninjas who haven't reached the Chunin rank will not be allowed to take on missions to leave the village. At the same time, each mission team must be equipped with at least one medical-nin —this will significantly improve mission survival rates."

His eyes gleamed with the brilliance of a strategist. "Furthermore, I intend to create specialized high-end combat teams specifically designed to deal with unknown dangers that conventional forces cannot handle. Similar to the 'Roots' of yesteryear, but more transparent and more controllable."

Neji listened quietly and nodded. Shikaku's political views were indeed farsighted, his strategic vision was accurate, and he was both pragmatic and forward-thinking.

"A very good plan," Neji commented simply.

The conversation seemed to have come to an end. Neji stood up and nodded slightly to Shikaku: "Thank you for the hospitality tonight. I'll pick up the tea next time."

Shikaku and Shikamaru also stood up. Shikaku said solemnly, "I'm the one who should say thank you, Neji- kun."

Neji said no more, and formed a simple hand seal. Pale golden ripples spread through the air, and space itself seemed to distort slightly.

The next moment, his figure disappeared from the tea room without leaving a trace.

The Flying Thunder God Technique allows for free movement, as if entering an empty space.

Only Nara and his son remained in the tea room. Shikamaru stared at the spot where Neji before turning to his father, his voice somewhat hoarse:

"Father... are you really going to run for Hokage?"

Shikaku didn't answer immediately. He walked to the window and looked out at the night view of the Nara Clan Grounds. The deer forest under the moonlight was quiet and mysterious.

"Times have changed, Shikamaru," Shikaku said slowly. "In the past, the Hokage had to be the strongest person in the village. But now... wisdom may be more important than strength."

He turned to his son. "And we have new rules. Democratic elections, term limits... This is an opportunity."

Shikamaru remained silent. He recalled every word Neji had said and every expression he had made that evening. The Hyuga Clan genius who had once participated in the Chunin Ninja Exams with them was now standing at a completely different level.

No, not height, but dimension.

"Neji..." Shikamaru began, but then didn't know what to say.

"He's paving the way," Shikaku interjected, his eyes deep, "Paving the way for Konoha's future. Although he said he would leave soon, what he left behind... may change the course of this village for decades, even centuries."

Shikamaru fell into deep thought. Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting the shadows of the father and son onto the tatami mats of the tea room, their forms intertwined and indistinguishable.

The night is still long. And the future of Konoha is quietly taking shape in one night after another like this.