Yuichi followed Shikaku into a plain, unremarkable tent.
Inside, two figures were already waiting—Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Their gazes immediately fixed on him, sharp and appraising.
Shikaku gestured. "Yuichi, these are Konoha's advisors—Lord Homura and Lady Koharu."
Then he turned back to them. "So… do you agree to my proposal now?"
The two elders exchanged a glance before nodding.
"We've witnessed his power with our own eyes," Homura said gravely. "And his Wood Style… it makes him the most fitting candidate for Konoha."
Yuichi's eyes narrowed slightly. Are they preparing to make me Hokage already? That would be convenient.
"Since you both agree," Shikaku continued, turning back to Yuichi, "there's something important I need you to hear. As Konoha's newest Jōnin, bearing the blood of the Senju and the power of the First Hokage's Wood Style, you've been called here for a very special task."
Yuichi tilted his head. "A task?"
So the battles today hadn't just been about proving himself as Jōnin. There was something more.
Shikaku's voice deepened. "When Sunagakure invaded, you fought against the monster Gaara transformed into. Tell me—do you know what a tailed beast is?"
Yuichi shook his head.
"Then I'll tell you. Tailed beasts are living weapons of enormous power, each bound to one of the great villages. Sunagakure possesses the One-Tail, sealed inside Gaara. Shinobi who carry such beasts are called Jinchūriki."
Yuichi's expression remained calm, though his eyes flickered faintly. Shikaku nodded, satisfied with his composure.
"Konoha also holds a tailed beast. Not just any beast, but the strongest—the Nine-Tails."
Yuichi's voice was steady. "And our Jinchūriki is…?"
"Uzumaki Naruto," Shikaku said. "You've met him, haven't you?"
"Yes. I trained with him during the Chūnin Exams."
"Good." Shikaku's approval showed in his tone. Yuichi had not shunned Naruto as so many others did. That alone spoke volumes.
"Your Wood Style is capable of suppressing tailed beasts. Therefore, your special assignment is to protect the Nine-Tails."
Yuichi's lips curved slightly. Protect Naruto? If that means staying close to him, then this arrangement couldn't be more perfect.
"You and Naruto will leave the village together," Shikaku continued, "to search for the Third Hokage's disciple—Tsunade—and bring her back to Konoha."
Yuichi's eyes gleamed. They're handing me Naruto directly… and giving me the perfect excuse to travel with him. With enough exposure, I can draw out Ashura's chakra. With it, my Wood Style will reach its true peak. Even Hashirama himself couldn't stand against me then.
And on top of that, he could steer Tsunade's fate—ensuring her hemophobia never crippled her, removing yet another weakness from Konoha's future.
At that point, the only obstacle left on the road to Hokage would be Danzo.
"Yuichi," Shikaku said firmly, "remember this—protecting the Nine-Tails is the highest priority. As for finding Tsunade, do your best. This scroll contains all the information we've gathered on her whereabouts. She may be in these locations. You have seven days. If you fail to find her by then, you must return to Konoha immediately."
Yuichi accepted the scroll with a nod. "Understood. When do we depart?"
"Tomorrow. Tonight, rest well. Tomorrow you and Naruto will leave quietly. Officially, it will be said that you've gone for training."
Shikaku's eyes sharpened. "And one more thing—unless absolutely necessary, do not use Wood Style. That is an order."
Yuichi smirked faintly. Now he understood. That was why he had been forbidden from using Wood Style in his three battles earlier. The advisors had wanted to test how dangerous he was even without it. If he flaunted the power outside the village, their secrecy would be wasted.
"…Very well."
"Go, then," Shikaku dismissed.
Yuichi inclined his head politely to the advisors and Shikaku, then turned and stepped out of the tent.
The moment he was gone, silence lingered for a moment before Homura spoke. "This boy… truly exceptional. When you mentioned Jinchūriki, he was only surprised for a moment before regaining perfect composure. At his age, that kind of calm is rare indeed."
Koharu's voice softened. "Strength and temperament, both flawless. Too young for the Hokage's seat perhaps, but as a candidate… he is ideal."
Shikaku's brow furrowed.
"That leaves the other matter. With Yuichi escorting Naruto and seeking Tsunade, who will find Jiraiya?"
Koharu waved a hand. "That one is easy. Unlike Tsunade, Jiraiya still cares deeply for Konoha. Send any loyal shinobi and he'll return the moment he hears of the crisis."
Shikaku thought for a moment before speaking. "I suggest Hatake Kakashi. His strength is more than sufficient for a solo mission. And the fewer involved, the less chance of leaking information."
The advisors nodded in agreement.
For a brief moment, the thought passed between them—that if Shikaku himself were a bit stronger, he too might have been a worthy Hokage candidate. But his brilliance lay in strategy, not raw strength.
While Shikaku finalized his plans to guide Konoha through this turbulent time—
A ripple spread across the village.
From beyond Konoha's gates, a messenger approached. A toad.
But unlike before, in these unsettled times, it never reached the Hokage's office.
Instead, it was intercepted—captured by the Root.