Chapter 52: Nara and Fugaku, Each with Their Own Calculations

Nara Kazama's face was bitter.

His performance was exquisite; even Nara Shikaku could find no flaw.

However.

Recalling the words Uchiha Jin had spoken, he found himself in strong agreement.

Yes!

The Uchiha simply do not play by the rules.

Even if they are useless in daily life, once they awaken the Sharingan, their combat power skyrockets several times over.

Someone who could beat no one before could instantly take on three opponents the moment the Sharingan awakens.

Thinking of this, he could not help but feel admiration.

The reason Uchiha Jin found was indeed impeccable.

"Well, then," Nara Shikaku fell silent for a moment. "The Uchiha Sharingan truly defies logic."

"Let me think it over."

He let out a sigh.

At this moment, Nara Shikaku felt a throbbing headache.

Although the reason felt absurd and he vaguely sensed something was off,

when asked to pinpoint the problem, he could not immediately say what it was.

Nara Kazama remained silent.

He did not disturb his clan elder, nor did he believe the elder could find a flaw.

The Uchiha Sharingan is simply that unreasonable.

Obito from the original story at age nineteen is the prime example.

The dead last of his class, even in an elite A-class squad, could not even spit out a Great Fireball upon graduation.

And then?

The instant he saw Nohara Rin die, his Two-Tomoe Sharingan instantly transformed into the Mangekyo Sharingan.

And it was the most unstoppable spatial type: Kamui!

Time slowly passed.

About ten minutes later, Nara Shikaku spoke again.

"Here is the plan."

"Modify your mission slightly."

"Cease all investigation into Uchiha Jin's secrets starting now."

"Itachi must cultivate a bond with him and strive to become his true friend."

"The clan will provide all necessary support during this period."

Nara Kazama's eyes shifted.

However, in an instant,

he understood his clan elder's intention: seeing the Uchiha rising in power, he was preparing an escape route for the Nara clan!

He had to admit, his clan elder's mind was indeed sharp.

In this way,

whether the Third Hokage wins or the Uchiha wins,

in any case,

the Nara clan could sit tight and watch the outcome.

"Understood," Nara Kazama said.

After he nodded in agreement, the two chatted casually about other matters before Nara Kazama tactfully took his leave.

Once he had left, Nara Shikaku let out a soft sigh.

"Truly, a season of trouble."

"But, never mind."

"That is the Hokage's headache; I should focus on my own duties."

"If the Hokage does not mention it, I will pretend this never happened."

"If he seeks my opinion, I will do my utmost to assist the Hokage."

"After all, with that boy Nara Kazama in the Uchiha camp,

no matter who wins or loses, the Nara clan's stability is assured."

"Brother, Itachi truly have a fine son!"

"..."

Nara Shikaku shook his head with a bitter smile.

Especially when mentioning Nara Kazama, his expression grew infinitely complex.

Yes.

As the head of the Nara clan, how could his wisdom be merely a hollow reputation?

How could he fail to see the subtle schemes in Nara Kazama's mind?

He simply did not wish to say more.

After all, this was his own elder brother's child; how could he truly bring himself to act ruthlessly and kill him?

So he could only take things one step at a time.

As for the rest, he chose to leave it to time.

Having understood all this, he could not help but shake his head and sigh softly.

Suppressing these thoughts deep within his heart, he continued writing the letter.

He wrote out every detail of what was happening at the front, especially regarding Uchiha Jin, which he described in particular detail.

He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions; as the leader of the Jonin squad, he naturally understood what he should do.

After finishing everything, he summoned a member of the Nara clan.

"Sasaki, I trouble Itachi to make a trip."

"Deliver this letter to the Hokage with the utmost speed."

"Go."

Nara Sasaki nodded.

Taking the letter, he respectfully turned and quickly headed toward the Land of Fire.

Not long after he left, a Uchiha entered.

"Lord Shikaku!"

"Commander Fugaku requests your presence in the main command tent for a discussion."

Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku immediately understood.

Since the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were already dead, the Hidden Mist camp no longer had any powerful figures.

Even if the Mizukage and the jinchuriki wished to rush over, it would not be possible in the short term.

Given such a massive advantage, Uchiha Fugaku would certainly not be able to resist.

Thinking this, he immediately nodded.

"Very well, let us go."

Without further words, Nara Shikaku nodded.

After quickly tidying himself up, he went straight to the main command tent.

Seeing Uchiha Fugaku looking at a map, Nara Shikaku could not help but smile and say, "It seems Fugaku, Itachi are truly impatient; are Itachi ready to launch a general assault?"

"Yes, indeed!" Fugaku replied with a smile, "With such a great advantage, it would be a real pity to give it up."

"Shikaku, what is your view?"

Fugaku was not at all surprised that Nara Shikaku could guess his thoughts.

It was very normal!

He had no intention of concealing the death of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

Not to mention that Uchiha Shisui's squad also included a member of the Nara clan.

He had not intended to conceal the situation regarding Uchiha Jin either.

In his view, this was a good opportunity.

It was the perfect chance to show the village the strength of the Uchiha.

He thought that by doing so, certain people might restrain their covert schemes a little.

But, unfortunately.

Uchiha Fugaku, lacking experience in power struggles, simply did not understand the complexity of human hearts.

The awakening of the Mangekyo Sharingan by the Uchiha would not cause the Hokage faction to restrain themselves; on the contrary, it would make their methods even more radical.

Especially Danzo!

"Yes, I agree," Nara Shikaku nodded. "It is indeed a good opportunity; it would be a pity to let it slip."

"Take this chance to swallow the Hidden Mist within the borders of the Land of Whirlpools, then quickly advance into the Land of Water."

"By that time, we will have bargaining chips."

"I have already notified the village; I imagine our negotiators should arrive by then."

Uchiha Fugaku nodded.

He was not too foolish.

Of course, he knew that eliminating the Hidden Mist in one stroke was absolutely impossible.

Every village possesses considerable foundations.

Do not be fooled by the fact that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were killed and the Hidden Mist appears to have few powerful figures left.

But, similarly.

The mere fact that they are one of the Five Great Ninja Villages is enough to prove everything.

At the very least.

Unless the Hidden Leaf commits its full strength and no other ninja village interferes, it is absolutely impossible!

Not to mention.

Currently, the Hidden Leaf is fighting four enemies; most importantly, the Hidden Stone, the Hidden Cloud, and the Hidden Sand, which is already engaged in the earliest battle.

The best course of action is to end the war here as quickly as possible.

Even better, try to get the Hidden Mist to turn around and ally with the Hidden Leaf.

"Very well, I understand!" Fugaku spoke directly: "In that case, give the order."

"Have everyone make preparations; we will attack the Hidden Mist camp at first light tomorrow!"