Hidden Motives
If there was no reliable reason — then it was nothing short of suicide.
So, naturally, Nara Kazama could only shrug it off.
Besides, he doubted that Uchiha Jin even cared. A man who revealed his strength so decisively wouldn't fear a little exposure now.
---
"Besides that," Nara Shikaku continued calmly, "have you figured out what Uchiha Jin's real purpose is? Why would he hide his true power?"
His tone was mild, but his eyes were sharp as a blade.
This was what truly mattered to him.
He was almost certain now — the three dead Uchiha were killed by Uchiha Jin. Not that Shikaku particularly cared about internal Uchiha disputes. What caught his attention was something far more troubling — the body of a Kumogakure ninja.
As Konoha's chief strategist and commander of the jōnin forces, Shikaku also oversaw part of the Intelligence Division. And according to confirmed reports, the body found outside the Forest of Death months ago matched that of a missing Kumogakure operative — one who had mysteriously vanished during the failed kidnapping of the Hyūga heir two years prior.
That fact alone was enough to raise every red flag.
Why was that body found near Konoha? What had truly happened that day?
This wasn't just an isolated case anymore — it connected to Kumogakure's infiltration and, possibly, the Nine-Tails incident itself.
That was why he'd placed Nara Kazama in Uchiha Jin's squad.
On one hand, all other Nara operatives were already assigned to elite Class A teams. Placing Kazama in a smaller, low-priority squad would draw less attention.
On the other, while Shikaku didn't fully trust his nephew, he believed he could control him. Kazama was intelligent and perceptive — useful qualities, if guided correctly.
Unfortunately, Shikaku had underestimated him.
Kazama would answer simple questions honestly, yes. But this question — this dangerous one — he would never answer truthfully.
Because it touched upon the deepest secret he shared with Uchiha Jin.
Kazama sighed, shaking his head.
"I don't know, Uncle. To be honest, the team I was in with Uchiha Jin was basically a cannon-fodder squad. You should know better than anyone how those work."
His tone was calm but carried just enough frustration to sound believable.
"Those kinds of teams don't build bonds. There's no time for camaraderie or teamwork. Talking about 'trust' in that kind of group is meaningless. So, apart from the mission, Jin and I rarely spoke about anything personal."
He paused for a moment, pretending to think.
"But if I had to guess, Jin doesn't seem to trust the Uchiha clan at all. Maybe that's why he hides his power — self-preservation, nothing more."
Nara Shikaku frowned slightly, his expression unreadable.
It wasn't the answer he wanted, but… it made sense.
Cannon-fodder squads were never designed for survival or teamwork. They were meant to wear down the enemy — expendable units.
No one in those teams was expected to bond or trust one another. They barely even shared meals.
To expect emotional depth from soldiers destined to die was naive.
Even Shikaku, the most pragmatic man in the Leaf, could only sigh inwardly.
---
"Yeah, I understand," he finally said, rubbing his temple.
"It doesn't matter for now. I believe there will be opportunities later."
He straightened, his sharp eyes locking on Kazama again.
"Your new team assignments have been finalized. You'll be placed alongside Uchiha Jin again. This time, your captain will be Uchiha Shisui — the Uchiha clan's rising prodigy."
He let the information sink in before continuing.
"There's also a member from the Hyūga clan joining your squad. So, this won't be another disposable team. You'll be part of a true elite unit."
He leaned back slightly, voice calm but firm.
"Elite teams handle missions far more dangerous than before. Bonds and trust aren't optional anymore — they're necessary for survival. Do you understand?"
He paused, his tone dropping an octave.
"Kazama… this is important. If you succeed, I'll see to it that you receive an A-rank mission within the clan."
---
Kazama inhaled sharply.
He hadn't been faking his surprise this time.
His uncle's sudden fixation on Uchiha Jin… it didn't add up.
What kind of secret was Jin hiding to make Nara Shikaku — one of the sharpest minds in Konoha — personally involve himself like this?
No. Something was wrong here.
When he returned, he'd have to find out exactly what Jin had done… before his uncle's scrutiny destroyed everything they were building.
If Shikaku's eyes stayed on them for too long, their entire plan — their chance to reshape the clan system — would collapse.
Taking a deep breath, Kazama forced a look of determination onto his face.
"I understand, Uncle," he said with feigned excitement. "I'll do my best."
He met Shikaku's gaze head-on, pretending to be resolute.
But deep down, his thoughts were cold and calculating.
No sudden moves. No overacting. Let him think I'm loyal. Once we find out what he's planning… we move first.