In the Hokage's office.
The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke. Although Nara Shikaku disliked complications, his sharp mind quickly grasped the cause and effect.
He may have been averse to trouble, but it was clear that the Ino–Shika–Chō trio was closely aligned with the Hokage lineage—especially his clan, known as the Hokage's advisors. They were forever tied to this position.
Observing Shikaku's prolonged silence, the Third Hokage slowly set down his smoking pipe and, in a hoarse voice, said, "The head of the Anbu visited the Nara clan three days ago, even though you were on duty."
With that single statement, Shikaku's expression turned serious. Beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead—this was the Third Hokage's subtle pressure.
"Lord Hokage, I only learned of this after returning."
Even though Shikaku was part of the Hokage lineage, he didn't want to get too embroiled. No official stance had been taken yet, and Hiruzen Sarutobi's vigor and peak strength made him difficult to oppose.
Listening to Shikaku's explanation, the Third Hokage shook his head slowly and sighed, "Though Shinzo's strength is decent for his age, it's still difficult to win people over."
This remark set Shikaku's mind racing. By mentioning his own son Sarutobi Shinzo, Hiruzen hinted at shifting his focus to succession. Privately, Shinzo was his son—two Hokages in one family would cement their legacy.
Publicly, Konoha had endured three wars, the Nine-Tails disaster, and the loss of the Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen's political philosophy prioritized stability above all, so he sought the smoothest transfer of power.
Shikaku cleared his throat. "Lord Hokage, the head of the Anbu promised me the position of Jōnin squad captain."
Their conversation, though disjointed, was rife with veiled negotiations. If Shikaku took that post, Sarutobi Shinzo would advance in rank—but Shinzo needed strength more than title.
Hiruzen refilled his pipe with practiced ease. Smoke curled around his hat as he spoke in a subdued voice, "The village can't afford turmoil. If Orochimaru becomes Fifth Hokage, his unpredictable nature risks Konoha's future. In times of peace, he'd be ideal—but now we need continuity."
Hiruzen's gaze drifted to the Hokage Rock. "I do this for Konoha," he murmured, echoing the Will of Fire.
Shikaku let out a relieved sigh. Politics rarely boiled down to right or wrong; stability demanded prudent succession. Distance from the epicenter would preserve his own safety and influence.
"I will depart for the border to aid Captain Shinzo," Shikaku said firmly.
Hiruzen nodded. "Once there, instruct Shinzo to focus on training. I can guide him only so long; his strength must match his station."
Shikaku bowed. Though the Jōnin squad captaincy held little real power, its status rivaled the heads of Konoha's six departments—enough to shape Konoha's future command in crisis.
As Shikaku left, he seemed the sole victor: commander at the frontier, aligned with the future Hokage. Unbeknownst to him, Orochimaru's defection and Sarutobi Shinzo's trials would soon upend every carefully laid plan.
Outside the Hokage's office
A shadow slipped behind Nara Shikaku like a whisper. It was the Anbu head, the Third Hokage's daughter-in-law, her eyes glinting behind her mask.
"Captain Shikaku," she said softly, "rest assured. I never intended to hide this from the Lord Hokage."
Shikaku maintained his composed exterior, but inside, he trembled. She had outmaneuvered every player—anticipating Hiruzen's will, steering succession, and ensuring Konoha's surface stability even as Root's deeper schemes churned below.
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