"I understand. The Akimichi Clan only has two Jōnin, including me, and we'll both agree to Itachi's promotion. I heard Kakashi approves of Itachi too. The Jōnin outside the major clans respect him quite a bit, so there shouldn't be any problems. Speaking of which, shouldn't we give Inoichi a heads-up?"
Inoichi Yamanaka was the head of the Yamanaka Clan, one of the three clans known as Ino-Shika-Cho alongside the Nara Clan and the Akimichi Clan. He had also grown up with Chōza Akimichi and Shikaku Nara.
"Ah..."
Hearing Chōza Akimichi's question, Shikaku let out a long sigh.
"Yamanaka Fū is an exceptionally talented member of the Yamanaka Clan's younger generation. He's Danzo's right-hand man now. That was probably part of the Third Hokage's reasoning for not sending Inoichi on a mission with Itachi. If I'm not mistaken, the Third Hokage also told you not to discuss the mission with anyone besides me and Kakashi."
Shikaku Nara trusted Inoichi Yamanaka absolutely, but Inoichi was now the head of the Yamanaka Clan, and that complicated matters.
So Shikaku had no idea whether Madara Uchiha's sudden emergence was a blessing or a curse for Konoha. All he knew was that his head was splitting.
If the Third Hokage and Danzo turned against each other in the future, which side would Inoichi take?
After hearing Shikaku's explanation, Chōza suddenly lost his appetite for the snacks in his hand. He desperately wanted to ask Inoichi what he thought, but he couldn't.
For one thing, the Third Hokage had forbidden him from leaking information. For another, he was afraid of hearing an unwelcome answer from his old friend.
"Speaking of which, the Uchiha Clan's reputation has improved a lot lately. People in my clan say the Uchiha aren't looking down their noses at everyone anymore.