Strategic Shadows
"Hokage-sama, I am convinced."
After hearing Shisui's report, Uchiha Jin's expression grew increasingly grim.
Good job…
This Nara Shikaku — he's here because of me, isn't he?
There could be no other reason.
After all, the Mist front wasn't that significant. Konoha's main concern was the Land of Rain, where the real war was raging. Kumogakure and Iwagakure were the strongest threats besides Konoha; Kirigakure was only slightly stronger than Sunagakure, and their declaration of war was nothing more than an opportunistic gamble.
Nara Shikaku — Konoha's foremost strategist — coming here could only mean one thing: he's been sent to investigate.
Jin's dark eyes flickered as his mind worked furiously. But no matter how hard he thought, the information was too limited to draw a clear conclusion.
Still, it didn't matter.
If he comes at me with schemes, I'll counter with misdirection. If he comes with force, I'll respond with defense. He's not the only one who knows how to play the game.
"Jin-kun, what are you thinking about?" Shisui asked, puzzled.
Jin chuckled lightly.
"Nothing much. Just thinking that joining your elite team… feels a bit stressful for an ordinary ninja like me."
Shisui rolled his eyes.
"Don't be modest. I know you're not ordinary. You wouldn't have survived this long if you were."
He sighed, half-joking but serious underneath.
"It's hard to hide strength forever, especially on the battlefield. People here aren't fools."
Jin nodded slightly.
He knew Shisui was right.
Even if he wanted to stay under the radar, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never let him. The fact that he was still alive — when so many of their comrades weren't — already made him a target.
---
Meanwhile, in a much larger command tent…
Nara Kazama stepped inside and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Patriarch."
Nara Shikaku looked up from his desk, a stack of battle reports in front of him. When he saw Kazama, a warm smile touched his lips.
"Oh, it's Kazama. Come, sit — no need to be so formal between uncle and nephew."
He poured tea for both of them, his tone gentle and relaxed — as if they were family, not commander and subordinate.
Kazama felt a faint warmth in his chest. He hadn't expected to meet his uncle here, on the Kirigakure front of all places.
After a few moments of small talk — pleasantries about health, family, and how war forges character — Shikaku finally leaned forward, eyes sharp behind his calm demeanor.
"So then," he began,
"how do you feel about the teammates I arranged for you?"
He smiled faintly.
"I told you they'd be interesting."
Kazama's expression didn't change. In truth, he hadn't expected this reunion, and he certainly wasn't prepared for it. But he knew one thing for certain — even if he couldn't outthink his uncle, he would never show it.
He paused for a beat before replying, his tone measured.
"Uchiha Jin, is it? He's quite the teammate. Strong enough to belong in the elite squads — Class A, at least."
Kazama shook his head.
"But I can't quite figure him out. He's… odd, even for a Uchiha."
He continued speaking, weaving truth with misdirection — painting Jin as mysterious, powerful, yet unpredictable. In doing so, he let slip fragments of information that seemed trivial but cleverly concealed the real secret:
that he and Uchiha Jin had already formed a quiet alliance.
"I see," Shikaku murmured, face calm as ever.
"So, Uchiha Jin's strength is as impressive as I thought?"
Kazama nodded, playing along.
"Yes. His taijutsu is exceptional — not just the three basic ninja arts, but also his mastery of Fire Release. It's no exaggeration to say he's the reason we survived."
He took a sip of tea before continuing.
"We were surrounded by Kirigakure several times. It was Jin's physical prowess and quick thinking that allowed us to break through. Without him, neither of us would be here right now."
Shikaku smiled faintly, though his eyes glimmered with a calculating light.
"Remarkable," he said softly.
"But tell me, Kazama — does he follow orders easily?"
Kazama froze for half a heartbeat — then smiled.
"He's… cooperative. As long as the mission makes sense, he won't object."
"Good," Shikaku said, his tone unreadable.
"Very good."
Kazama bowed slightly, hiding his thoughts behind a calm mask.
Inside, though, his mind was racing.
He suspects something… but not enough to act. For now, that's good.