5 Chapter 5

"You are such a big bully, Kazuki Niisan; you have been telling me it's the last lap since the last ten laps; I kept counting, you know. "

Under the shade of the tree, Kazuki chuckled at Shikamaru's astute observation and his candid complaint about the seemingly never-ending laps.

"You caught me, Shikamaru. I guess I got carried away with the 'last lap' excitement," Kazuki admitted with a playful grin. He listened attentively as Shikamaru, in his childlike wisdom, pointed out the discrepancy in lap promises.

"You know kids my age are playing, and you always keep dragging me to the training yard. Choji even runs way because you always drag him to train too." Little Shikamaru sighed like a wise old man, and Kazuki could not help but laugh at the antics of his cute little brother.

"Well, we'll not let Choji off the hook next time. Now, let's get down to business," Kazuki said, reaching into his pouch to reveal a chakra paper. Shikamaru's eyes widened with curiosity at the sight of the valuable item.

"Kazuki niisan, isn't it too early for me to learn about nature's transformations? I can barely perform the basic jutsus, and I'm not a prodigy like you," Shikamaru protested, his tone a mix of reluctance and genuine concern for his abilities.

Kazuki chuckled again, ruffling Shikamaru's hair affectionately. "Don't worry, little brother. This is just to help you build your basics. I'm not planning to teach you advanced jutsus right away. Now, let's see what nature chakra you have. Infuse your chakra into the paper, and let's find out together."

As Shikamaru infused his chakra into the paper, the anticipated reaction occurred. A portion of the paper crumbled away, while the remaining section burst into flames and turned to ash.

"Hmm, so I have earth and fire affinity, Kazuki niisan," Shikamaru deduced from the chakra paper test. Kazuki smiled at his little brother's attentiveness to his studies.

"Yes, little brother, and you should also have the yin affinity because of our Nara bloodline," Kazuki explained, appreciating Shikamaru's quick grasp of the information. Already, he was forming mental plans for a training routine tailored to Shikamaru's unique affinities.

Curiosity sparkled in Shikamaru's eyes as he posed another question: "Kazuki Niisan, what about your chakra affinities? And do you think I have a chance to awaken a Kekkei Genkai like you?"

Kazuki considered the inquiry thoughtfully before responding, "Well, I have three elemental affinities—water, earth, and lightning—and also the yin affinity, just like you. As for awakening a Kekkei Genkai, currently, I don't know. I should be able to help you awaken one, but I'm somewhat stuck in my research. I might need some time to solve the issue or seek outside help. Don't worry about it; at worst, I should find a solution before you graduate from the academy."

Shikamaru, still absorbing the information, could only marvel at his brother's foresight and planning. At just five years old, Kazuki had mapped out a course that extended all the way to Shikamaru's graduation from the academy. With a resigned sigh, Shikamaru thought, "This is going to be such a drag," realizing that his niisan's meticulous approach was going to shape much of his future.

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The Root Base, hidden deep within Konoha, was shrouded in an air of secrecy and darkness. The structure was a maze of underground passages and hidden chambers, designed to keep its existence concealed from even the most astute ninja. It was a place where Danzo Shimura, the shadowy figure behind the curtains, orchestrated his schemes for the sake of what he believed was the village's greater good.

Danzo, with his right eye covered by a bandage, sat atop a high-backed chair in a dimly lit room filled with the echoes of whispered conversations. His demeanour, as always, exuded an air of authority and ruthlessness. His hand rested on the armrest as he received a scroll from a kneeling root ninja.

"Danzo-sama, here is the detailed list of all the Nara clan's recent activities and information about a few more clans, as you instructed," the Root Ninja reported dutifully.

Danzo accepted the scroll with a stern nod, his eyes scanning the contents with intense scrutiny. However, his displeasure became evident as he read through the information. The Nara clan's recent growth and activities seemed to be slipping beyond his control, and the wrinkles on Danzo's forehead deepened into a scowl.

"I do not see any information about the Nara kid who interacts with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Is this how incompetent you guys have become? Aren't you ashamed to admit that you were outsmarted by a kid?" Danzo's voice, cold and demanding, filled the room.

The root ninja lowered his head further in submission, "Forgive us, Danzo-sama, for our incompetence. The kid is way too crafty, and his mastery of fuinjutsu and shadow techniques is beyond exceptional. We are not able to covertly monitor him, and the Nara clan has also upgraded their barrier seals. Trying to enter their compound will only trigger it, and we have no way to bypass it."

Danzo's anger flared, frustrated by the limitations of his own clandestine operatives. However, as his mind worked through the situation, a calculating look replaced the initial rage. An idea, born out of necessity and ambition, formed in his mind.

"Very well. The Nara boy might prove to be an asset. We need to bring him under our wing. If we can control him, we shall mould him into a loyal tool for the village," Danzo declared, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of bending even the prodigious Nara to his will.

The root ninja, still kneeling, acknowledged the order with a bow, realizing that Danzo's ambitions sometimes overshadowed the very village he claimed to protect.

Danzo, after receiving the disappointing report about the Nara clan, felt a surge of restlessness within him. The time for passive observation had come to an end. He rose from his chair, the dim light casting shadows on his determined face. Two elite Root members followed closely behind him as he made his way towards the exit of the clandestine Root base.

"It seems like I have kept myself and the Root passive enough since the attack of the Nine-Tails. It's time we actively start working again. Our Root also needs new members to bolster its forces," Danzo declared, his voice echoing with authority through the dimly lit chamber.

Exiting the room, Danzo continued down the underground corridors with purpose. The roots were an extension of his will, a force working in the shadows to ensure the village's security. He needed them to be efficient, vigilant, and proactive.

"Redeploy all the teams back into the field. There is no need to lay low. I want complete information in my hands as soon as possible. Do not disappoint me again," he commanded, his tone unwavering.

The kneeling Root Ninja, still in the room, received his final directive. The urgency in Danzo's voice was clear, and the ninja understood that their leader demanded immediate results. As Danzo exited the base, the Root operatives swiftly began preparations to re-enter the field, their activities no longer restrained by the need for secrecy. The Root was about to become an active force once again, and Danzo intended to make sure they left no stone unturned in their pursuit of information and influence.

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Hokage building, Konoha

The Hokage's office in the towering Hokage Monument was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the Hokage's regal figure. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat with a dignified presence behind his large desk. His long, flowing robes denoted the wisdom and experience that came with years of leadership. His eyes, though aged, sparkled with keen intelligence.

Seated on either side of him were the two esteemed advisors, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Both advisors, with their own areas of expertise, complemented the Hokage's leadership. Homura's stern features and Koharu's sharp gaze spoke volumes about their dedication to the village.

"Welcome," Hiruzen said with a nod. "Let us proceed with our discussions."

Homura, the elder of the two advisors, opened the meeting. "Hiruzen, the recent financial reports are in. The village's coffers have been replenished thanks to the significant contributions from the Nara Clan. Their financial aid has prompted other clans to follow suit, reluctant to lose standing during these challenging times."

Hiruzen leaned back, steeping his fingers. "The Nara Clan's generosity is appreciated. It's heartening to see the unity among the clans when the village needs it the most. We must use these funds wisely to rebuild and strengthen our defences."

Koharu, her eyes piercing, interjected, "However, the Uchiha Clan's activities have been causing unrest. There are whispers of dissent among the villagers. We cannot ignore the growing tension. Action must be taken."

Hiruzen sighed, his eyes reflecting the burden of leadership. "The Uchiha issue is delicate. We cannot afford a civil conflict. I believe in trying diplomatic avenues first. We must engage with the Uchiha, address their concerns, and find common ground."

Homura leaned forward, his expression grave. "Hiruzen, we cannot afford to be too lenient. The Uchiha's actions have stirred fear among the populace. We must show strength and decisiveness. Swift measures need to be taken to ensure the village's safety."

Koharu, nodding in agreement with Homura, added, "Peaceful resolutions are admirable, but we must be prepared for any scenario. The safety of the village is paramount."

Hiruzen's gaze shifted between his advisors, contemplating their perspectives. "I understand your concerns, but we cannot abandon our principles. It is my hope that through dialogue, we can prevent unnecessary bloodshed. The village has endured enough pain."

The discussion delved deeper into strategies to address the Uchiha issue, involving both internal and external matters. The advisors presented their differing opinions, reflecting the complexity of the situation.

Just when they were planning to share more ideas regarding the Uchiha clans issue, the door to the Hokage's office opened abruptly without any notice, and Danzo walked in with measured steps and moved next to the other advisors.

The Hokage's office, once a haven for measured discussions, was disrupted by Danzo's sudden entrance. Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu looked at him with a mix of surprise and annoyance. Danzo's presence in the Hokage's inner circle was always a contentious issue.

"Danzo, what are you doing here?" Hiruzen demanded, frustration etched on his face. The scars on his face seemed to tighten as his expression hardened.

Danzo, with an air of nonchalance, took a seat next to the other advisors. "Hiruzen, if I didn't intervene, you'd lead the village to ruin. Take a look at this."

He dropped a folder on the table, its contents a meticulous breakdown of the financial details of each clan for the past few years. The information was unnervingly accurate, even detailing the Sarutobi Clan's finances. Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu delved into the contents, realizing the potential chaos this information could cause if it reached the ears of the other clans.

"Danzo, what is the meaning of this? Do you understand the turmoil this would create among the clans if they found out?" Hiruzen questioned, his displeasure evident.

Homura and Koharu mirrored Hiruzen's discontent. The breach of trust between the clans and the village leadership was palpable.

"I had no intention of delving into individual clan finances. I was merely seeking additional funding for the root. Our village needs more elite Shinobi. However, the recent activities of a specific clan caught my attention. Have you not noticed it yet?" Danzo explained with a calculating gleam in his eye.

Hiruzen, although aware of the Nara Clan's remarkable financial contributions, remained vigilant. He knew Danzo always had a hidden agenda.

"The Nara Clan's income has surged significantly, even during these difficult times. While their efforts support the village, we must consider the potential ramifications. The other clans might perceive this as favouritism. We cannot afford internal strife, especially with the Uchiha situation looming," Danzo continued, emphasising the underlying tensions that the Nara Clan's prosperity could ignite.