Shikaku, according to official data at least, had an IQ over 200—a terrifying genius.
He'd grown up alongside Kei since they were little, so with just a bit of thought, he instantly understood what it meant to have both offensive and defensive prowess.
Danzō? This... this was a secret so shocking it rattled his very worldview!
His face twisted into an incredibly bizarre expression.
He rubbed at the goosebumps on his arm and shot a look at Inoichi beside him. After years of working together, Inoichi, already sharing a near-perfect level of synergy with him, immediately activated the Mind Body Transmission Technique to link everyone's consciousness.
Shikaku's voice echoed directly in their minds.
Right now, the number of ninjas in Konoha has already exceeded what the village can bear. The clans embedded within the various departments are deeply intertwined…
Kei frowned as he listened to Shikaku's analysis.
In short, Konoha was already overflowing with people in high-level positions.
The Third Hokage, in an attempt to fully mobilize Konoha's power to deal with the approaching war, couldn't simply disrupt the current balance. That was why he and Minato had been allowed to attend high-level meetings but never granted real authority.
If Konoha went to war, those like him—part of the regular ninja corps—would inevitably be dispatched to the front lines as key combatants.
With his strength, he could certainly make a name for himself during the war, much like Minato did in the original timeline, quickly rising in both rank and fame.
But as a member of the Yamanaka clan, his limitations were set in stone. His background was nowhere near as "clean" and free of political baggage as Minato's as a civilian-born prodigy.
Besides, strength coud both make you and break you. The Konoha higher-ups were well aware that his power already surpassed Jiraiya's. Many ninja clans also knew about it.
During the war, people might suppress their fear and jealousy—but what about after?
To prevent something from going wrong… Joining Root and becoming one of its high-ranking members was undeniably a solid choice. Even if Danzō had some ulterior motives in the shadows...
With Kei's strength, the support of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, and Kushina acting as a powerful deterrent, they could scheme carefully.
In time, actual control over Root wouldn't be that hard to grasp.
With strength, influence, and Root's unorthodox methods at their disposal… Who would still dare to provoke him?
If Orochimaru becomes the Fourth Hokage after the Third Great Ninja War, you'd be the Hokage's top aide—second only to him.
Shikaku wrapped things up, painting a beautiful future for Kei.
Second only to him? Hell no—I'd rather be the one in charge. Kei replied grumpily in their minds, before continuing aloud.
Good analysis, really. But don't bother next time—let me drop a little info bomb. On the third day of my mission, I killed a monster.
Huh? Who? From which village?
!!! Shikaku's jaw dropped.
Just as he was about to say something, Kei transmitted the memory of his battle with Madara via the mind-link technique.
A sky-darkening Susanoo, a world-destroying Nativity of a World of Trees, rampaging Wood Golems and Dragons, ferocious clashes of fire and water techniques… Even though he'd seen the clan archives countless times, actually witnessing this scene…
The mental impact was enough to make Shikaku's eyeballs nearly pop out of his head.
Beside him, Chōza and Inoichi dropped their sake cups onto the table. Their mouths opened several times, but no words came out.
You bastard! You had this kind of power and didn't say anything?! Shikaku grabbed Kei by the collar, his eyes bloodshot from the shock.
Ahem... I only recently had a minor breakthrough. Kei coughed dryly, brushing off Shikaku, who was now too overwhelmed to keep his cool.
Before going to find Madara, he didn't even have that kind of power!
Kei~ Do you want to become the Fourth Hokage? Just say the word, and we'll start working on it immediately!
Don't be ridiculous. What's the point of that position?
Think about it. If I took that position, who do you think would be the busiest person?
"…" Shikaku's eye twitched at those words, and his expression started shifting.
He knew Kei's personality better than anyone.
This guy only trained hard when he had to. Any other time? If he could lie down, he definitely wasn't going to stand.
If Kei became Hokage… Shikaku would almost certainly be turned into a glorified workhorse!
And not just him—anyone in the Nara clan with even half a decent IQ would probably never catch a break again. Even the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans would be roped in as the main labor force.
This was their Ino-Shika-Chō trio's opportunity to rise. Think about how the Sarutobi clan grew after Hiruzen became the Third Hokage. He really didn't want to give up this once-in-a-lifetime chance so easily!
Don't even think about it. The Senju clan is gone. The Uchiha are being pushed to the fringes of the village, just waiting to be purged. The Sarutobi clan? Hah~
Kei patted Shikaku on the shoulder.
In a village , any ninja clan that grew too powerful would eventually suffer a vicious backlash. Neither the ruling powers, the other clans, nor even the civilian ninjas wanted to see one clan permanently looming above their heads.
"...Hoo~" Shikaku fell silent for a long while before exhaling a deep, heavy breath.
What goes up must come down. Extremes inevitably bring reversals. The visible benefits were tempting, sure—but neither he nor Kei were immortal. Just like the Third Hokage would age and eventually step down…
Their clans would also have to pass the torch to the next generation someday. If the burden was too heavy, decline would be inevitable.
Alright, now that we've talked business—how about we spice things up with some entertainment? Kei cast a very meaningful look at Shikaku, Chōza, and Inoichi.
These bastards didn't even bother giving him a heads-up before scheming to push him into Root! Even if it was for his own good. But still—couldn't they have talked it over with him first? Made a plan together? They really thought he'd let this slide so easily?
The moment Chōza saw Kei's expression, he shivered hard. Even the fat on his body trembled three times. Growing up together, he knew exactly what kind of demon Kei could be.
Kei, you know me—I'm not the brightest. No way any of this was my idea!
Shikaku turned to look at Chōza in disbelief, betrayed by the first to sell him out. Before he could even question the man's loyalty, Inoichi chimed in too.
Kei, you know how I am—I'm an open book in front of you. If Shikaku had just told me sooner, there's no way you wouldn't have known!
You guys! You…! Shikaku was stunned.
Weren't they supposed to be brothers for life? To share blessings and face hardship together? They were literally still drinking together just moments ago, and they were already tossing him under the bus?
"Mind Body Disturbance Technique!"
Sensing things were going south, Shikaku tried to bolt—but was instantly locked in place.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Kei, let's talk about this! Yoshino's still out at the front desk! At least let me die with some dignity!"
Shikaku's face twisted in horror. He could already sense the terrifying fate about to descend upon him.
"Heh~ Don't worry. I've been picking up some pretty decent medical ninjutsu lately."