99 Chapter 99

Along the way, Kaito and Nara Shikaku had many discussions, and Kaito had to admit that he learned a lot from their casual conversation.

Especially when Kaito feigned curiosity and asked why they hadn't investigated Danzo more thoroughly, Shikaku's response left him speechless.

"Real politics require compromise. After all, despite the setback caused by Danzo, Hokage-sama also didn't have any preparations. He has left his mark in various departments. A sudden onslaught would catch him off guard. However, when he recovers, using his prestige and personnel in various departments, we'd struggle to counter him without proper preparations. The best outcome would be a Pyrrhic victory, the worst, our utter defeat. Besides, Konoha isn't stable, and no one can withstand such a blow. And we don't have a new Hokage candidate, do we?"

Shikaku's words seem to represent the thoughts of all the major clans in Konoha, and it was apparent he considered Kaito to be part of this circle of ninja clans.

What surprised Kaito was that their ideas were the same as his.

Saying there's no new Hokage candidate, they actually feel that it would be easier to deal with Sarutobi Hiruzen after his outburst, don't they?

But one thing Kaito had to admit, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had deeply rooted himself in Konoha for many years, might not necessarily be dealt with just because of the Danzo incident.

To confront him, ample preparations are needed, even having to involve the Daimyo. Only with the Daimyo's approval can a new Hokage be installed.

Don't assume that the Daimyo is just a money bag. Even though, in reality, that's all he amounts to now, formalities still need to be followed.

But while they were talking, Nara Shikaku suddenly became serious.

"Clan Head Kaito, I actually have another question for you, in my capacity as Minister of Government Affairs."

"Minister Shikaku, please proceed."

Seeing Shikaku's demeanor, Kaito also became serious. He was curious about what Shikaku would ask.

"Earlier, Clan Head Kaito said that the Uchiha need to change. I'm wondering what kind of change Clan Head Kaito intends to make?"

Nara Shikaku looked at Kaito earnestly, asking his question word by word, and Kaito immediately understood his intention.

Shikaku probably wanted to clearly establish what exactly the Uchiha were up to.

Of course, such verification represents not his clan, but Konoha, or even the Hokage.

The Nara Clan, despite their considerable influence and reputation as a distinguished secret technique clan in Konoha, can only wield such influence in alliance with the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans.

Essentially, they are of the middle tier among the ninja clans, and their survival strategy naturally involves serving Konoha, or serving the Hokage.

So even if he is dissatisfied with the current Hokage, as Minister of Government Affairs, he still needs to maintain order and consider Konoha's interests.

However, everyone has their own thoughts. Otherwise, Nara Shikaku would not have subtly hinted at this, talked so much with Kaito, or asked him straightforwardly about his intentions.

"The Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha. This fact will never change."

After understanding this, Kaito naturally knew how to respond.

Moreover, Kaito realized that this was an excellent opportunity, an opportunity for Nara Shikaku to express the inner thoughts of his clan!

"Of course, we know that due to many misunderstandings, people may not accept us readily.

But now that the misunderstandings have been cleared, and we plan to rectify our own issues, I believe everyone will see this in the future."

At this point, Kaito paused briefly, then smiled at Nara Shikaku.

"Take the issues of the Police Force, for instance. If Minister Shikaku is interested, he could send some people over to observe our changes, or even help us change."

Kaito's words were blunt. Nara Shikaku was taken aback, but then he nodded as if he had suddenly realized something.

He could see that the Uchiha indeed wanted to change, even opening up the Police Force to outsiders. Isn't that a change?

Of course, it could also be a way to share the blame, and Nara Shikaku was quite cautious about this.

"We wouldn't dare to instruct, as the Nara clan members don't have experience with the Police Force, but I believe we'll have a chance to cooperate in the future."

"Well, I look forward to that day."

Kaito maintained his smile, but his gaze was now on the towering Hokage Rock in the distance.

"Moreover, it's not just me. The whole clan hopes to be recognized by Konoha, by everyone.

As members of Konoha, both I and the clan members have a dream of becoming Hokage.

Only someone recognized by everyone can become Hokage. After all, the Hokage is Konoha's Hokage, but Konoha is everyone's Konoha."

The Hokage is Konoha's Hokage, but Konoha is everyone's Konoha?

Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku was momentarily stunned, finally understanding the meaning behind Kaito's puzzling words.

But he had to admit, Kaito's words made the serious expression on his face fade, replaced by a smile.

Because Kaito's words encapsulated the relationship between the Hokage and Konoha, and also revealed his own thoughts and stance.

This young man, despite his age, truly was a rare figure.

"I think I've gotten more than enough answers."

Nara Shikaku smiled at Kaito, then turned to walk in another direction. However, he suddenly looked back as he walked.

"Keep the last thought to yourself, the rest, I believe, everyone will know."

After saying this, Shikaku walked away without looking back, and the smile on Kaito's face grew even brighter.

It was clear that Nara Shikaku understood his intentions, and he was also willing to lend a hand.

Perhaps it was a way of returning a favor, or maybe he genuinely wished for Konoha's stability, but either way, today was indeed a wonderful day.

Upon returning home, Kaito pondered for a moment before locking the main door.

Despite the conference taking up his time, he hadn't gotten around to developing his skills.

But he was already eager to see what kind of changes this upgrade would bring to him.

Moreover, such changes might confirm whether his speculations about the Eternal Eye were correct or not.

[Skill: Shadow Demon Scythe (1/1)]

[Activation Condition: Requires one hundred Life Force to activate]

[Power Fragment: Jōnin can acquire twenty-five, Chūnin can acquire twenty, Genin can acquire ten, regular enemies vary between one to five]

[Current Power Fragments: One hundred]

[Darkin Scythe selection mode has been opened]

[Skill: Shadow Scythe (1/1), automatically disappears after the host uses it]

[Chosen Evolution Orientation —— Body]

[Evolution in progress]

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