"Precisely because the Daimyo held such an attitude, it was all the more worth pondering."
Nara Shikato interrupted him, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly against his knee as a thoughtful gleam flickered in his eyes:
"Torifu, put yourself in his position.
If you were the ruler of a nation, holding supreme authority in your hands, would you allow an 'organization' under your rule to possess overwhelming military strength, growing economic independence, highly unified ideals, and prestige that rivaled—or might even surpass—the central authority?
Even if that organization appeared utterly loyal for the moment."
Torifu Akimichi opened his mouth, but for a moment, he had nothing to say.
He excelled at charging into battle and managing affairs, but such complicated political calculations truly made his head spin.
"Would... the Daimyo really think that way?
We've worked together for so many years, and it's always been pleasant.
Shikato, aren't you overthinking this?"
Nara Shikato did not refute him directly. He merely said calmly:
"I hope I am overthinking it.
But since this has already shown signs of emerging, the Hokage must be informed no matter what.
He needs to know about these subtle shifts coming from the capital."
Yamanaka Gaku and Torifu Akimichi exchanged a glance, then both nodded solemnly.
When it concerned Konoha's fundamental security and future path, caution could never be wrong.
Seeing that the topic had made the atmosphere rather heavy, Torifu Akimichi quickly laughed heartily, trying to lighten the mood:
"Alright, alright. It's rare for us to get some time off, so let's not keep talking about things that make our heads hurt.
Gaku, how has Inoichi been lately?
I heard the kid has quite a talent for intelligence analysis?"
The conversation shifted to domestic matters and raising the next generation, and the atmosphere in the tea room