"Now that Jiraiya-sama is back, I imagine Hokage-sama can finally get a bit of relief." Shikaku Nara remarked flatly, stating the obvious.
It was crystal clear that Hiruzen Sarutobi's decision to appoint Jiraiya as the Hokage's advisor was nothing more than a stepping stone for him to become the next Hokage.
However, Shikaku had no intention of discussing this matter with Hiruzen. Unlike Danzo, who was nominally just another Hokage advisor but in reality controlled an entire military force beyond even the Hokage's authority, Shikaku was simply a strategist and bureaucratic aide with no real power.
Since the issue of succession was far beyond his jurisdiction, it was best if he kept his mouth shut.
Besides, Shikaku didn't think Jiraiya was fit to be Hokage. The common villagers might not know better, but the Clan Heads within the village certainly did. If Jiraiya really became Hokage, would he be in charge? Or would it be the toads of Mount Myoboku? Shikaku honestly couldn't say for sure.
"Shikaku, Jiraiya just got back. He still has a lot to catch up on regarding the village. I'll need you to support him." Hiruzen said.
"Hokage-sama, I'm sure Jiraiya-sama will become familiar with village affairs soon enough."
Shikaku replied.
Hiruzen could tell that Shikaku was dodging the issue, but he had no other options left. Of his three former students, Orochimaru had already abandoned the village; Tsunade was too high-profile and independent; if she refused to return, even he couldn't force her. That left Jiraiya as his only viable choice.
With a sigh, Hiruzen looked at Shikaku, a nostalgic expression crossing his face. "Shikaku, time really flies. I still remember when you, Inoichi, and Choza made your earring vow. You had all just graduated from the academy back then. Now, in the blink of an eye, you've all become pillars of the village… And I, well, I've grown old."
Hearing this, Shikaku immediately knew things were taking a bad turn.
Hiruzen deliberately brought up old bonds to push him to take a public stance. If he had kept avoiding the issue now, it would have been downright disrespectful.
Shikaku sighed inwardly. After the founding of the village, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had stopped being direct subordinates of the Sarutobi clan, but the tradition of swearing their alliance under the Sarutobi Clan Head's witness remained. Now that Hiruzen had brought it up, it was clear he wasn't giving Shikaku any room to refuse.
"I'm not the sharpest, Hokage-sama. If you have something to say, please be direct." Shikaku stood and bowed respectfully.
Hiruzen's gaze flickered. He knew he was pushing things too far; after all, the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance was built on mutual benefit.
The Sarutobi clan had historically provided them protection, while the three clans offered intelligence and strategic support.
But this time, Hiruzen wasn't just asking for their support; he was dragging them into the spotlight, demanding that they bet their entire future on Jiraiya.
It was a risky gamble with little reward. Even if they succeeded in putting Jiraiya in power, the three clans wouldn't gain much. But if they failed, everything they had built within the village would be lost in an instant.
This was exactly why, during the recent lockdown incident, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had been so easily restrained by the Inuzuka and Aburame Clans. Despite their ties to Hiruzen, they had no desire to go all-in on this political struggle.
"Shikaku, I need you to support Jiraiya in becoming the Fifth Hokage."
Hiruzen said, his gaze unwavering.
Silence filled the Hokage's office.
After a long pause, Shikaku finally spoke. "Is this an order, Hokage-sama?"
"No. This is a personal request." Hiruzen replied.
Shikaku's expression shifted slightly. "This is a serious matter. Please allow me some time to consider it."
"Of course."
Hiruzen nodded. "Discuss it thoroughly with Inoichi and Choza as well."
"Then, I take my leave." Shikaku bowed and exited the office.
Left alone in his office, Hiruzen lit his pipe, lost in thought.
Shikaku had asked for time to consider, but Hiruzen knew refusal was unlikely. He had just invoked generations of Sarutobi protection over the Ino-Shika-Cho clans. Even if they won this political struggle, their relationship would never be the same.
At the very least, when the next generation of Ino-Shika-Cho took their earring vow, the Sarutobi clan would no longer have the right to witness it.
… … …
When Shikaku returned home, he was planning to immediately gather his two old friends for a discussion. However, upon arrival, he noticed his son, Shikamaru, sitting on the rooftop, absentmindedly gazing at the stars.
Shikaku hesitated for a moment before calling out. "Shikamaru, come down for a bit."
The boy, lost in thought, blinked as he registered his father's voice. "What is it, dad?"
"Just come down. We need to talk."
"Ugh, how troublesome."
Shikamaru sighed, showing an exhausted expression that was not suitable for his age. If his father was calling him in such a serious tone, it definitely meant something incredibly bothersome.
He climbed down and followed Shikaku inside.
In the study, Shikaku set up a shogi board.
Seeing this, Shikamaru immediately felt a headache coming on. "This is gonna be even worse than I thought…"
Shikaku didn't reveal anything right away. Instead, they played dozens of moves in silence, the game remaining evenly matched.
Finally, Shikaku spoke. "Shikamaru, the Uchiha's former clan head's second son… he's your classmate, right?"
"You mean Sasuke? Yeah."
"How's your relationship with him?"
"It's alright, I guess. We haven't talked much before, but lately, he's been hanging around Naruto all the time, which means Choji and I have been around him more, too. Ino, on the other hand, is always pestering him."
"I see."
Shikaku nodded. "I never expected anyone other than Choji to willingly befriend you."
"Dad, that's a little harsh." Shikamaru looked up at his father with dead eyes. How could a father say that to his own son?
Shikaku chuckled. "I get it. When I was your age, aside from Inoichi and Choza, no one wanted to play with me either."
"So, what's this about?" Shikamaru asked while narrowing his eyes.
"Invite your friends over some time."
Shikaku said with a smile. "You probably trouble them a lot, so we should properly thank them for putting up with you."
"If anything, they're the troublesome ones…"
Shikamaru sighed. Ever since Sasuke joined their group, he and Naruto bickered constantly. The noise alone made it impossible for him to relax.
Still, he understood what his father was asking. "Alright, I get it. I'll invite them over."
Satisfied, Shikaku stood up. "Good. I have a meeting with Inoichi and Choza, so I'll be off."
"Hey! At least clean up the board first!" Shikamaru called after him, but Shikaku walked away without looking back.
"Ugh, seriously." Shikamaru sighed and began putting away the pieces.
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