Meanwhile.
In a secret chamber in Konoha's Nara Clan Territory.
"The entire Yūhi Clan evacuated last night."
Shikaku Nara placed an intelligence scroll on the table, his expression grave.
Choza Akimichi stuffed a handful of chips into his mouth and said indistinctly:
"Let them go. Their clan doesn't have any real experts anyway. They'd only be cannon fodder if they stayed."
Shikaku Nara gave him a speechless look, rubbed his brow, and said:
"That's not the issue."
"The Yūhi Clan has close ties with Lin Ze. With them gone, there's... one less bond between Konoha and Lin Ze."
Torifu Akimichi gave a bitter smile.
"Fortunately, Might Duy and his son Might Guy are still here, and there's still Fox and Night Owl in the ANBU. The connection won't be severed completely."
"Let's hope so."
Shikaku Nara leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look flashing through his eyes. He had spent the past few days reviewing the entire situation.
Not long ago, Uchiha Fugaku had suddenly summoned the major clans to a meeting scheduled for tonight.
And the Yūhi Clan had chosen this moment to evacuate... was it a coincidence, or had they caught wind of something?
Shikaku Nara kept feeling that something was wrong.
The Uchiha had been far too quiet lately.
Normally, with the major clans secretly joining forces against them, the Uchiha should have reacted fiercely. Yet Fugaku acted as though he knew nothing, continuing to handle official business as usual.
Moreover, although they had made contact with the Uchiha's three elders, none had given an answer.
Something had to be behind such unusual behavior.
"Shikaku, what do you think Uchiha Fugaku wants by calling us together tonight?"
Choza Akimichi asked.
"I don't know."
Shikaku Nara shook his head.
"But there are only two possibilities-either he lays