The Nara's Calculation
In Nara Shikaku's command tent, the faint scent of ink and smoke filled the air.
The evening wind fluttered the edge of the map spread across his table.
After hearing Nara Kazama's report, Shikaku's expression changed instantly.
He, who was known throughout Konoha for his composure, actually lost his calm.
He rose sharply from his seat, eyes widening in disbelief.
"What did you say?"
"Uchiha Jin awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
His voice trembled ever so slightly. "How is that even possible? Are you joking, Kazama? That kid—awakening the Mangekyō?"
"…"
The tent fell silent.
Even for Shikaku, who had faced the horrors of the Great Ninja War, this was beyond imagination.
A low-ranking Uchiha, notorious for his laziness, suddenly awakening the legendary eyes that had not appeared since Uchiha Madara's era?
Absurd.
Yet… Shikaku knew Kazama wasn't the type to joke about something this serious.
He drew in a long breath, forcing himself to calm down. His brow furrowed deeply as he sank back into his chair.
"All right," he said at last. "Tell me everything, from the beginning."
"Uchiha Jin—what exactly happened? How did he awaken the Mangekyō?"
His voice regained its steady tone, the voice of a strategist once again.
As captain of Konoha's Jōnin forces, Shikaku was not only a member of the Hokage's inner circle—he was also a cornerstone of the Nara clan's alliance with the Sarutobi and Shimura.
For generations, the Ino–Shika–Chō trinity had stood beside the Hokage.
And though Shikaku himself had long seen through the Third Hokage's political shortcomings, it changed nothing.
As long as Konoha remained stable—and his clan's position secure—nothing else mattered.
The Uchiha could rise or fall as they pleased.
As long as they did not threaten the Hokage's seat, the Nara would not interfere.
But now… a new Mangekyō had appeared.
That changed everything.
Across from him, Nara Kazama sat uneasily, watching his uncle's expression twist through shock, thought, and calculation.
He let out a bitter chuckle before answering.
"How should I put this…?" he began softly. "At that time, our team was cornered—there was no escape. Then, out of nowhere, Uchiha Jin just… erupted."
"His eyes evolved right before us—from the second tomoe straight into the Mangekyō."
Shikaku blinked, stunned. "That's ridiculous."
Kazama spread his hands helplessly.
"I know. It sounds completely unreasonable. But that's Uchiha for you."
He smiled wryly. "Even when they're useless most of the time, the moment their Sharingan awakens, their power skyrockets. A ninja who can't even throw a kunai straight one day becomes a monster the next."
Shikaku was silent.
He wanted to refute it—but couldn't.
Because deep down, he knew Kazama was right.
Obito Uchiha came to mind.
The boy had been a fool at the Academy—barely able to perform a basic Fire Style technique. Yet the moment he witnessed Rin's death, his eyes transformed directly into the Mangekyō.
And not just any Mangekyō—his was a space-time type ability, Kamui, one of the most invincible techniques in existence.
Yes.
The Uchiha were simply unreasonable.
Time passed quietly in the tent.
After nearly ten minutes of contemplation, Shikaku finally sighed.
"All right," he said. "I understand."
He rubbed his temple, voice low. "The Sharingan… truly is the most absurd bloodline limit."
"Let's adjust your assignment, Kazama."
Kazama raised an eyebrow. "Adjust it?"
"From now on," Shikaku said, his tone all business, "you're to stop investigating Uchiha Jin's secrets."
"Your new mission is to grow closer to him—earn his trust, become his friend, whatever it takes."
"If you need resources or support, the clan will provide them without hesitation."
Kazama's eyes flickered, realization dawning immediately.
So that was his uncle's plan.
The Nara were famous not just for their intelligence—but for their foresight.
Now that the Uchiha were rising again, Shikaku was laying groundwork for both outcomes.
If the Hokage faction prevailed, the Nara would remain loyal.
If the Uchiha gained power, the Nara would already have a foot in the door.
Either way—the clan would survive.
"Understood," Kazama said calmly, bowing slightly.
After a brief exchange of minor details, he tactfully excused himself.
When the flap of the tent closed behind him, Shikaku exhaled deeply, staring at the dim lantern light.
"What a troublesome era," he muttered.
Then, with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, he added quietly:
"Well… it's not my problem to solve. If Hokage-sama asks for my counsel, I'll give it. If not, I'll act as though nothing happened."
He leaned back in his chair, half amused, half weary.
"Besides, that brat Kazama's there now. No matter who wins—Hokage or Uchiha—the Nara clan will stay afloat."
His gaze softened, a rare warmth in his tone.
"Brother," he murmured, almost to himself, "you really do have a good son."
The tent fell silent again—only the rustling of maps and the faint crackle of the lantern flame remained.