"Shikaku, do you think I should suppress the Uchiha clan the same way the Third Hokage and the others did?"
In front of Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Torifu spoke bluntly. The relationship between the Ino-Shika-Cho trio has been an unbroken alliance since the Warring States Period. Though they are three separate clans, they are practically like family, sharing each other's fates.
Their bond truly is one of shared success and loss.
"Suppression isn't necessary," Shikaku replied. "The Uchiha today aren't the same as they were in the past; they're not easy to bully anymore. But precisely because of that, it's even more important that we secure key assets like the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. Otherwise... the Uchiha could become truly unstoppable."
At this moment, Nara Shikaku was not acting as anyone's friend. He was the head of the Nara Clan and the strategist for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, thinking purely from the perspective of his clan and the village.
Torifu let out a wry smile.
"Shikaku, you've never met the First Hokage or Madara Uchiha. You can't understand just how terrifying Uchiha Madara was. If it weren't for the First Hokage, the entire ninja world might have fallen under Madara's control. Numbers meant nothing before his strength."
Shikaku furrowed his brow. He couldn't quite grasp the concept of the invincible power Torifu described.
And also, why bring up Uchiha Madara? Was it because of the intelligence that Uchiha Sogen brought back? The mysterious man claiming to be Madara that only Sogen and the captured Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, had seen?
"Old man, are you worried about that mysterious person claiming to be Uchiha Madara?"
Madara... Could he really be that strong? Just hearing the name made the old man uneasy.
"More or less," Torifu admitted. The Yamanaka Clan had probed Yagura's memories, with his cooperation, and although they hadn't confirmed if the man was truly Madara, he was certainly an Uchiha powerful enough to manipulate Yagura, the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails and the Fourth Mizukage, through the Sharingan.
With the confirmation that Uchiha Sogen's intelligence wasn't false, a deep worry began to take root in Torifu's heart.
The chaos of the Nine-Tails attack five years ago was still fresh in his mind. He had fought in that battle and almost lost his life that night, if not for the timely intervention of the Fourth Hokage. Torifu had to admit, unwillingly or not, that he was likely the weakest Hokage in the village's history.
He sat as the interim Fifth Hokage only because of his status and the backing of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.
In terms of raw strength, he couldn't compare to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, or even Uchiha Kagami, all of whom were now deceased. At most, he could hold his own against Homura Mitokado or Koharu Utatane. This lack of strength left him feeling insecure.
If that mysterious Uchiha figure were to attack Konoha again and unleash the Nine-Tails, Torifu wasn't confident that he could handle such a catastrophe.
So, sending Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, to someone who had already subdued a tailed beast and defeated that mysterious figure—like Uchiha Sogen—was a logical choice.
"I know what you're thinking, Shikaku," Torifu continued. "I am worried that Madara is still alive, but that's only one reason for sending Naruto to the frontlines. The other reason is Uchiha Sogen himself."
Torifu left no room for misunderstanding.
"I see the shadow of Madara in Sogen. While he may not be as strong as the Madara I remember, the problem is, Konoha doesn't have another First Hokage. As long as Sogen lives, the Uchiha clan will continue to rise."
At this point, Torifu seemed a bit disheartened.
"Shikaku, don't think that just because I'm the Hokage, our three clans rule the village. You're a smart man, the smartest of all. Don't be blinded by the position of Hokage, which I obtained by mere coincidence. Once Jiraiya and Tsunade return to the village, I'll have to give it up eventually."
"Even if, for some reason, Jiraiya and Tsunade don't want the position, how long can I hold onto it? I'm almost seventy years old. I may only have a few more years left to serve as Hokage. There's no need for us to make enemies of the Uchiha."
Shikaku rubbed his face, furrowing his brow further. "I understand, old man. But what if the Uchiha want... an Uchiha Hokage?"
"So what?" Torifu responded calmly, his expression as tranquil as water.
Shikaku was stunned.
Seeing his junior, who had been working so hard he'd started overthinking things, Torifu continued with a gentle tone. "If the Uchiha want the Hokage position, let them fight for it. Even if Sogen becomes Hokage, what's the worst that could happen? He's not going to wipe out the Ino-Shika-Cho clans."
"The Third and the others suppressed the Uchiha partly because of Tobirama's influence, but mostly to protect their own power. Whether the Uchiha are truly evil, Shikaku, you should be able to make your own judgment."
Shikaku's expression shifted, and the tension in his eyes faded, replaced by his usual laid-back demeanor.
"Phew!" He let out a long breath, scratching his head with a wry smile. "Old man, I've been so overwhelmed these past few days... I guess I just fell back into the mindset I had when advising the Third Hokage."
Torifu was right. The Ino-Shika-Cho had no reason to be enemies with the Uchiha.
Suppressing the Uchiha would only create a terrifying enemy for them. Their family was their true foundation, and the Hokage position was merely a bonus. As long as the Hokage wasn't like the manipulated Fourth Mizukage, it didn't really matter who held the title.
This was the shared view of most clans in the village.
"As long as you've cleared your head!" Torifu sighed in relief. "Everyone makes mistakes now and then, as long as you don't stay confused forever."
"Speaking of which," Shikaku said, adjusting his mindset and refocusing on his duties, "we should start preparing to send Naruto to the frontlines."
"I would've done it earlier if I hadn't been busy trying to talk sense into you," Torifu grumbled, standing up swiftly and heading out with Shikaku toward the Hokage Tower.
---
At the village gates, Naruto paced anxiously, his emotions a whirlwind of excitement and fear as he prepared for his first journey outside the village.
Behind him stood Uchiha Genshi, who paid little mind to the boy's nervous energy, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the approaching figures on the rooftops.
Finally, they arrived.
"Elder Genshi, I'm grateful," Torifu greeted him.
"It's my duty, Hokage. No need for thanks," Genshi replied.
Torifu glanced at the exhausted-looking young man beside Genshi—Uchiha Shisui, a renowned genius of the Uchiha clan. He seemed weary, though.
"This is Uchiha Shisui. To ensure Naruto's safety, he'll be joining the mission to the frontlines. His genjutsu will be useful in case of any tricky situations. What do you think, Hokage?" Genshi asked.
"Of course. I'm more than grateful for the Uchiha's assistance."
With everything set, the group prepared to depart.