Nara Kazama wore a bitter expression.
His performance was flawless—even Nara Shikaku couldn't find a single flaw in it.
But still.
When he recalled the words Uchiha Kai had spoken, he couldn't help but agree deep down.
Yes.
The Uchiha clan was simply unreasonable.
Even if one of them was a useless good-for-nothing on most days, the mont they awakened the Sharingan, their combat power would skyrocket severalfold.
Soone who normally couldn't defeat anyone—once they gained the Sharingan, they could suddenly take on three opponents at once.
The thought made him feel a faint admiration.
The excuse Uchiha Kai had given was indeed airtight.
"…Fine then." Nara Shikaku fell silent for a while before speaking again. "The Uchiha Sharingan really is unreasonable."
"Let think this over."
He sighed softly.
At this mont, Shikaku felt a headache building.
Though the explanation felt absurd, sothing about it nagged at him. Still, he couldn't quite put a finger on where the flaw was.
Kazama remained silent.
He didn't disturb his clan uncle, nor did he expect him to find any fault.
Because the Uchiha Sharingan truly was just that unreasonable.
In the original story, Obito was the pri example.
He had been at the bottom of the class—even though he was placed in the elite Class A, at graduation he couldn't even manage a single Fireball Jutsu.
And then?
The instant he saw Rin Nohara die, his two-tomoe eyes instantly evolved into Mangekyo.
And not just any Mangekyo—but the most troubleso space-ti ability, Kamui!
Ti trickled by.
After about ten minutes, Shikaku finally spoke again.
"Alright then. Your assignnt needs to be adjusted."
"From this mont on, you are to stop investigating Uchiha Kai's secrets."
"Instead, do everything you can to build bonds with him, and try to beco his true friend."
"Whatever you need along the way, the clan will fully support you."
Kazama's eyes flickered.
But in the next mont, he understood his uncle's intentions.
Shikaku had seen the Uchiha rising, and was preparing a fallback plan for the Nara clan.
He had to admit—his uncle really was sharp.
This way, no matter whether the Third Hokage won, or the Uchiha won…
Either way, the Nara clan could sit calmly on the sidelines.
"Alright. I understand," Kazama said.
Once he agreed, they chatted casually for a little longer before Kazama tactfully excused himself.
Only after he left did Shikaku sigh lightly.
"These are troubled tis indeed."
"But… forget it."
"This is Hokage-sama's problem to worry about. I should just focus on my duties."
"If the Hokage doesn't ask for my opinion, then I'll pretend I know nothing."
"If he does, I'll put my whole effort into helping him."
"As for the Uchiha—Kazama can handle that. No matter who wins or loses, the Nara clan will remain stable."
"Brother, you truly have a good son."
"…"
Shikaku shook his head with a wry smile.
Especially when it ca to Nara Kazama, his gaze grew more complicated.
Yes.
As the Nara clan's patriarch, his wisdom was not for show.
Kazama's little sches were hardly hidden from him.
But he chose not to say more.
After all, Kazama was his elder brother's child—could he really harden his heart enough to take ruthless action?
So, he could only take things one step at a ti, leaving the rest to fate.
With that thought, he exhaled softly, pushing those worries deep down.
Then, he returned to writing a report.
He recorded the events at the frontlines in ticulous detail, especially those concerning Uchiha Kai, which he described at length.
He knew of Sarutobi Hiruzen's concerns. As a Jounin squad leader, Shikaku naturally understood what his duty was.
After finishing the letter, he summoned a clansman.
"Saeki, I need you to make a trip."
"Deliver this letter to Hokage-sama as fast as you can."
"Go."
Nara Saeki bowed, took the letter respectfully, and quickly departed toward the Land of Fire.
Not long after he left, a mber of the Uchiha entered.
"Lord Shikaku! Commander Fugaku requests your presence in the command tent for a strategy eting."
Shikaku instantly understood.
With the Seven Ninja Swordsn dead, Hidden Blood Mist Village's side had lost their strongest fighters.
Even if the Mizukage and the Jinchuriki wanted to co, it would take ti.
With such an advantage in hand, of course Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't be able to resist.
Shikaku nodded. "Very well. Let's go."
Without wasting words, he tidied himself briefly and headed straight to the command camp.
There he found Uchiha Fugaku studying the map.
Shikaku smiled. "Fugaku, you really are impatient. Planning to launch the final assault already?"
"Yes." Fugaku chuckled. "With such a huge advantage, it would be a sha to waste it."
"What do you think, Shikaku?"
That Shikaku could see through his intent did not surprise him at all.
It was only natural.
He hadn't bothered to hide the deaths of the Seven Ninja Swordsn—after all, mbers of the Nara clan were also in Shisui's squad.
Nor had he concealed Uchiha Kai's situation.
In his mind, this was the perfect opportunity.
A chance to show the village just how powerful the Uchiha really were.
Perhaps then, those working tricks behind the scenes might rein themselves in a little.
But alas—Fugaku lacked experience in political struggle.
He did not realize that the awakening of a Mangekyo Sharingan wouldn't restrain the Hokage faction at all—if anything, it would make their thods all the more aggressive.
Especially Danzo.
"Yes, I agree." Shikaku nodded. "It's a rare opportunity—it would be a pity to waste it."
"We should take the chance to swallow up Hidden Blood Mist Village's forces in the Land of Whirlpools, then push quickly into the Land of Water."
"At that point, we'll have real leverage at the negotiating table. I've already reported to the village—by the ti the fighting is over, our negotiators should have arrived."
Fugaku nodded.
He wasn't a fool.
Of course he knew that destroying Hidden Blood Mist Village completely was impossible.
Each of the Five Great Villages had deep reserves.
Yes, the Seven Ninja Swordsn were dead, and Hidden Blood Mist Village seed weakened.
But even so—being one of the Five Great Villages spoke for itself.
Unless Konoha committed its full strength and no other village interfered, complete victory was impossible.ṣ
And currently, Konoha was fighting four fronts at once. The biggest threats were Hidden Stone Village, Hidden Cloud Village, and Hidden Sand Village, which had been first to strike.
The wisest course was to end the battle here as quickly as possible.
Perhaps even persuade Hidden Blood Mist Village to turn around and ally with Konoha.
"…I understand." Fugaku said directly. "In that case, give the order."
"Have everyone prepared—we will attack Hidden Blood Mist Village's camp at dawn tomorrow!"
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