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"What are you talking about? Don't set me up!!"
This time Shikaku couldn't stay calm. He dropped all pretense of saving face and became completely agitated.
He couldn't tell if Kazuki was serious or joking.
Stay tough. Keep being tough. I actually prefer you, in your unruly, defiant state. Paired with the scar on your face, you've got quite the tough guy look.
Unfortunately, no amount of toughness can change the fact that you're a henpecked husband.
"Alright, enough teasing. The woman is for Shisui. That kid's getting on in years, and the clan has been pushing for it several times already."
The wife was real, but not for Shikaku. For Shisui.
The clan handled the selection. Kazuki just glanced at it and called it done.
Three candidates: one from the clan, two from civilian families.
If an Uchiha married someone from another clan, the children would still inherit the Uchiha's kekkei genkai. The difference would be in talent level and whether they could awaken the Sharingan.
"Phew~ You scared me."
Shikaku placed both hands on the desk, looking immensely relieved.
He'd been genuinely frightened just now.
Putting up a strong front outside was one thing—his wife at home could accept that. But if he actually brought home another woman, he might be too afraid to ever return home.
I wonder if this is a common Nara clan trait. After many Nara men marry, their wives end up with fiery tempers. Even if they're gentle and soft before marriage, after marriage they can turn into incandescent roaring tigers.
"But Shisui's age is indeed getting up there."
To prevent Kazuki from continuing to tease him, Shikaku proactively shifted the topic to Shisui. If you want to stir things up, stir Shisui up. Don't focus on me. I can't take it.
Not everyone can, like you, Lord Advisor, have their arms full.
Speaking of which...
Shikaku suddenly remembered a letter his son had recently sent back from the front-line camp via messenger.
"Lord Advisor."
"Hmm?"
Can't you just say it directly?
Kazuki put away the scroll, handing it to Izumi. He was contemplating whether he should personally go to the front-line camp to make all the arrangements.
Fugaku and Hiashi were typical defenders. Ask them to decide important matters, and they'd both be at a loss.
One was indecisive; the other simply didn't dare make decisions lightly.
Before he could even discuss this with Shikaku, he noticed Shikaku looking at him with a hesitant expression, wanting to say something but finding it hard to broach the subject.
"It's about... what do you think..."
Shikaku hesitated whether to ask. But for the sake of his old friend, he couldn't pretend ignorance.
"What do you think of Ino?"
"Ino?"
What's all this nonsense? Bringing Ino into it?
"She's fine. A very clever and lively girl. Pretty too. Aside from being a bit of a looks-obsessed fangirl, she's okay."
Although Ino initially liked Sasuke, she was actually a looks-obsessive. What she liked wasn't Sasuke specifically, but handsome guys in general.
"Then..."
Damn it!!
Worst case, I get cursed out.
Shikaku gritted his teeth and finally asked.
"Lord Advisor, did you do anything to Ino?"
"Shikamaru sent a letter back saying Ino has been acting strange. She keeps muttering your name, acting like she really likes you. Since I'm close with her father, Ino is practically my niece."
Another one?
Izumi wore a speechless expression. This feels just like how I was back then—bewilderedly falling into the Elder's pit and unable to crawl out.
"Get lost!"
Kazuki was stunned for a few seconds, then started cursing directly.
"You can question my fondness for beautiful women, but you cannot question my character. I, Uchiha Kazuki, have not stooped so low as to do anything to a little girl. I've barely had any contact with hwe. Need I say more?"
"Ahem! That's not what I meant, it's just..."
"Save it. The moment your eyes dart, I know what you're about to say."
Kazuki's face was green with anger. He'd never overstepped even with his fiancée Hinata, let alone Ino.
"I told you, this kid has looks-obsessive tendencies. She likes handsome guys. It's not my fault I'm handsome. Also, I plan to go to the front-line camp tomorrow to sort things out. This is a notification, not a discussion. I'll be back in the village within three days at most. So stop your wild imaginings, terrified that I'll leave and never return."
Alright, a thorough, head-on cursing out.
But this cursing was worth it.
Shikaku would rather be cursed out by Kazuki than have anything happen to his niece Ino.
Of course, he wasn't questioning Kazuki's character. It was just out of concern as an elder. So he was a bit anxious.
Leaving the Hokage's office, Shikaku suddenly remembered something.
The Lord Advisor said he was going to the front-line camp. I don't think I refused...
Damn it. What have I done?
Inoichi, just you wait. This is all your fault!!
He hadn't refused earlier, and now it was too late to refuse. Shikaku slapped his thigh in frustration. With no other choice, he could only shift the blame onto Ino's father, Yamanaka Inoichi.
You bastard. If I'm having a bad time, you won't rest easy either.
Working overtime late into the night, getting cursed out because of your daughter—and you get to sleep peacefully at home with your wife?
Not a chance.
Having made up his mind, Shikaku gritted his teeth and left the Hokage's administrative building, heading straight for the Yamanaka clan compound.