"Lord Hokage, I was only helping manage things while you were away from the village. Now that you're back, naturally, I'll follow your lead in everything."
Standing before Madara Uchiha, Shikaku was taken aback by his orders. Madara seemed to be granting him far too much authority. Shikaku did not yet know what sort of leader Madara was, so his first response to the offer of shared power was to refuse.
"There's no need to worry. I trust you."
Madara saw Shikaku's reservations, so he looked him straight in the eye and gave him that assurance.
"You clearly have a talent for governing the village. With your standing, no one here would challenge your word. My father will primarily handle village security, you'll oversee its development, and Tsunade will oversee reforms to its medical services. As for me, I can promise that none of you will ever be treated with suspicion."
Becoming Hokage was only a small step in Madara's plans. He had no desire to spend his time on the village's petty day-to-day affairs.
"Externally, Konoha will maintain peace. Internally, we must devote ourselves to nurturing our younger generation. Just plan our development around those principles. I believe in your abilities. Unless a matter involves war, I'll give you the authority to decide all village affairs, great and small. Kumogakure and Iwagakure both harbor predatory ambitions, and I'm sure you know about the Akatsuki as well. I need to focus my energy on those matters. Shikaku Nara, will you serve as my right-hand man?"
Even when Shimura Danzō had enjoyed the Third Hokage's greatest trust, he had never been granted such authority. Hearing that Madara genuinely intended to share the Hokage's power with him, Shikaku swallowed nervously.
"I would be honored to shoulder your burdens, Lord Hokage."
Watching Shikaku