Nara Hoji's expression was grave.
Yes—when it came to plotting and calculation, he was in no way inferior to Shikaku.
In fact, one could argue Hoji was even sharper.
So why had he never shown it? The reasons were many.
The Nara clan could not afford to appear too formidable in the eyes of others. Even in the field of strategy, restraint was a form of survival.
Their martial strength was limited. If they were too dazzling in intellect on top of that, it would only breed suspicion and fear from other powers.
Thus, for the clan, one brilliant strategist was enough to carry the banner.
The second reason: the Nara were lazy by nature.
Back when the internal contest for clan head was held, the truth was that Shikaku had actually lost.
But unlike other clans, in the Nara, the winner got to stay home in comfort—while the loser had to shoulder the burdens of leadership.
And the most important reason of all:
The one who appeared to win was in fact a hidden card, one of the clan's greatest backup measures.
Nara knew full well—never put all the eggs in one basket.
All that so-called "power struggle" outsiders had seen in the clan over the years? A carefully staged performance.
After all, a shinobi clan that showed no interest in power or profit would be more frightening than any ambition—what leader could ever trust such a group?
So in truth, within the Nara clan, the "loser" was king, and the "winner" of the clan head seat was the pawn.
The "winner" looked leisurely, but was preserved as a trump card, to be revealed only when the village's balance shifted and new wagers had to be made.
Two-sided bets.
Whoever triumphed, Nara would never lose.
And because the clan displayed constant "infighting" outwardly, no one paid much mind when the occasional Nara appeared aligned with a rival faction. The act had been played for generations—it was all too believable.
This was why the Akimichi and Yamanaka were content to let the Nara lead the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance. Their brains were unmatched.
Of course, the younger generation had no idea. Only after marriage and children, when one was considered an adult, would the truth be revealed.
Why that rule? Because until one had been beaten down by life, a clever child's schemes were too transparent, too easily exposed. True wisdom came only after weathering the world's harshness.
That was why Nara Kazama's hostility toward Shikaku—and his eager loyalty to Kai Uchiha—were both genuine. He truly believed he was fighting for power.
If Kazama had known the truth, he'd never have had the motivation. And with his little tricks? He could never have hidden anything from someone like Kai, who was an old fox at heart.
When he learned the truth one day, he would likely cry his eyes out in the bathroom.
As for Kai himself? He too would curse—
Damn it! The Nara clan is too devious!
If only Kazama and Kai knew the true identity of Hoji. They'd be stunned.
Because this very Nara Hoji—the one Kazama had vouched for, the one Kai had approved to serve as a stand-in strategist for the Uchiha and Aburame while Kai was away from the village—was none other than the clan's hidden ace.
"Mm, that's how it is." Shikaku sighed. "Kai Uchiha is formidable indeed.
If not for the fact that our clan never loses children—and that Kai has awakened Mangekyo—I'd almost think he'd been switched at birth in the hospital, and was really one of us.
His stratagems… even I can only admire them."
"That's why I'm truly worried now.
The Uchiha already have Kai, Shisui, and Obito—three Mangekyo on the surface. Who knows how many more hidden cards they hold?
Kai's methods are in no way inferior to ours. We Nara value back-up plans—don't you think Kai does too?
The Aburame and Inuzuka have already openly sided with them. The other mid-tier clans will soon follow.
And tonight, after my talk with Hiruzen, I sensed it clearly—the Hokage faction is already fracturing.
Hiruzen and Danzo are openly at odds. Danzo dreams of becoming Hokage—those two can never truly unite.
As for Koharu and Homura… Hiruzen humiliated Danzo in front of them yesterday. Knowing their temperament, suspicion has already taken root.
Unlike Ino–Shika–Cho, the Sarutobi alliance with those three clans is bound by nothing but interest. Back in the day, all were students of Tobirama. Hiruzen had the luck to become Hokage, and the other three clans supported him for their own benefit.
As long as the spoils were shared fairly, peace held.
But now? Things are different. With Kai's rise, the balance is breaking.
If I'm not mistaken, Koharu and Homura won't sit still. They'll nudge Danzo into giving Hiruzen a lesson.
I don't know the details yet, but in a few days we'll see the results.
And then there's Minato.
Because of the Three-Tails inside Rin Nohara, he already harbors resentment toward Hiruzen.
He's Jiraiya's disciple, yet seems to have murky ties with Kai. If a battle breaks out, Jiraiya may well be discarded. Tsunade might stay out of it altogether.
As for Orochimaru—heh. If Minato ascends as Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru will certainly split from Hiruzen.
When you compare both sides… it's truly alarming."
Shikaku's eyes hardened.
"So, brother. From now on, our Ino–Shika–Cho must lean toward the Uchiha.
Kazama is still too young, too naïve. His tricks are clumsy.
The real responsibility to plan for the Uchiha… falls to you."
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