The Root was becoming increasingly aggressive, and the Nara clan's branch family was ready to make a move.
Shikaku Nara immediately picked up on the two critical messages hidden in Uchiha Hikaru's words.
It was better to just speak openly. After all, Uchiha Hikaru had already demonstrated his sincerity, and they could now avoid unnecessary formalities.
"I didn't expect the Nara branch family's actions to become so overt."
Branch families existed in every major ninja clan. Typically, only the clan leader's direct bloodline was considered the main family, enjoying the highest quality of resources and the best treatment.
However, the branch families weren't entirely without hope. If a member demonstrated sufficient strength or made a significant contribution, there was always a chance to be accepted into the main family.
This system was already leagues better than the Hyuga Clan's cruel traditions.
Still, Danzo's latest actions had stirred discontent among many branch family members—some of whom were beginning to consider drastic, even separatist actions.
If Hikaru hadn't warned him, Shikaku wouldn't have realized how serious the undercurrent of resentment had become. He wouldn't have paid close attention to the branch family's growing instability.
Uchiha Hikaru spun a pair of chopsticks idly in his hand and spoke in a flat tone.
"Completely normal. The Hyuga Clan next door? Hiashi's ready to flee with his people."
The calmness in Hikaru's voice only amplified the weight of his words.
Shikaku picked up his teacup and took a sip—then abruptly choked.
He turned to his right toward Choza Akimichi, still mid-swallow.
"Pfft—!"
Tea, leaves, and all, sprayed all over Choza.
"Shikaku! What the hell are you doing?!"
Choza grabbed the tissue box, slapped it to his face, and began wiping off the tea and soggy leaves.
Shikaku's eyes widened. He pinched his thigh hard.
"Tch—damn, that hurts. I'm not dreaming."
"Brother Hikaru… the Hiashi you're talking about—is that the Hiashi Hyuga, head of the Hyuga Clan?"
Hikaru stopped spinning the chopsticks, casually tossed them aside into the chopstick holder. They clattered against the others with a light rattle.
"Who else could I mean? I doubt there's another Hiashi in Konoha I'd be on speaking terms with."
"Brother Shikaku, Konoha is like this chopstick holder. And we're the chopsticks. Understand? When one is shaken, the rest rattle."
"Danzo tried to take Hinata. Hiashi refused. So he used the Third Hokage's warrant to pressure him—then turned around and took Hiashi's nephew, Hyuga Neji, instead."
"I doubt your clans are faring much better."
Choza growled in anger, slamming his palm on the table. "I can't believe the Hyuga Clan had to suffer that! That old bastard Danzo—he's so shameless he actually took two children from the Akimichi!"
"Inoichi here lost two from the Yamanaka too."
"The same for the Nara."
Hearing that, Hikaru narrowed his eyes.
So Danzo hadn't stopped at just the Hyuga. He'd extended his hand into the Ino-Shika-Cho as well. Most likely, he began by requesting Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino—the clan heirs. Then, when he met resistance, he pretended to back down and instead took two branch family children from each clan.
Clever bastard.
After all, the Ino-Shika-Cho were always loyal to the Hokage. Once the warrant was shown, refusing would seem disloyal. Danzo probably figured if he didn't at least get someone, he'd be at a disadvantage.
"Tell me, brothers... do you still think the Third Hokage is fit to remain in that chair?"
At that, Shikaku straightened his back and replied immediately.
"We Ino-Shika-Cho don't care who wears the Hokage's hat. We support the position to protect our own clans."
"We've always known we'd never become Hokage ourselves. That's not our ambition. But this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo crossed the line. They struck at the foundation of the ninja clans."
"If they dared take two of our children today, what's stopping them from cutting off our entire future tomorrow?"
As Shikaku spoke, his face darkened. The scar on his cheek twisted with his grimace, making his expression look even more savage.
Inoichi and Choza wore the same expressions—cold, ruthless. All three, men who normally appeared relaxed and good-natured, now radiated killing intent.
And that was only natural.
They had all come of age during the flames of the Second Great Ninja War. They had led squads and battalions in the Third. They had even helped hold back the Nine-Tails during its rampage.
Men forged in blood and fire. Their softness was a mask.
When they took up leadership, they knew the sacrifices. For their clans, they had supported the Fourth Hokage's return—even in death.
Yes, they had failed their dear friend Minato, and failed to protect Naruto.
But it wasn't out of malice. Between their friend's last request and their clan's survival, they chose their clans.
They could not allow hundreds of their kin to suffer because of a single promise.
That's why Shikamaru and Choji—despite Naruto being branded the "Nine-Tails demon"—still skipped class to play with him. Why they accepted him as a friend, when other children kept their distance.
And though Ino, being a girl, couldn't always join, the sentiment was the same.
They had raised their children not to believe the villagers' rumors. That was their small way of repaying Minato.
"We, the Ino-Shika-Cho, are with you and the Uchiha," Shikaku said.
"The Third is old. He's unfit to be Hokage any longer. Will the Uchiha put forward a new candidate?"
"Will it be you—or Fugaku?"
Hikaru laughed softly.
"Come on, Brother Shikaku. Don't joke. There's no way the Fifth Hokage will have the surname Uchiha."
"As for who it'll be—keep it quiet for now. You'll find out soon enough."
"Oh, and one more thing. The Police Force will reserve one director position and six team leader slots for you Ino-Shika-Cho. Same arrangement as Hiashi."
He rose, walked to the window, and slid it open.
"Help me pay the bill, would you? I've got to finish some paperwork at the Police Department."
The windows swung open wide, wind fluttering the nearby papers.
Shikaku leaned out and saw Hikaru's figure darting across rooftops, shrinking with each bound until it vanished.
He'd made a serious promise—one that could help stabilize the branch families.
As for the main families, the Ino, Nara, and Akimichi clans all had their own businesses and income. Those clan heads had enough responsibilities already. They likely wouldn't fight over titles in the Police Department.
The three quickly came to an agreement: two team leaders each, and the director position would go to Shikaku's cousin, Nara Suzaku.
Only the Nara had the mind for this kind of administrative work. If Choza and Inoichi tried to find someone in their own clans for the job, they'd come up short.