Chapter 84: The Boar–Deer–Butterfly Trio's Decision
"With Jiraiya-sama back in the village, I'm sure things will be easier for the Hokage," Nara Shikaku replied calmly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's intent was obvious—appointing Jiraiya as the Hokage's advisor was clearly a step toward grooming him as the next Hokage.
But Shikaku didn't intend to comment on that. Unlike Danzo, who had his own private army and near-unchecked authority, Shikaku's role as a Hokage Advisor was limited—merely a strategist and administrative helper, without any real power. When it came to the succession of the Hokage, it was better for him not to say anything at all.
Besides, Shikaku didn't believe Jiraiya was suitable to become Hokage. Common villagers might not know the truth, but high-ranking members of the ninja clans certainly did. If Jiraiya really took the seat, Shikaku honestly wasn't sure whether it would be him or Mount Myoboku's toads who'd be running the show.
"Shikaku, Jiraiya still doesn't understand a lot about village affairs. I'll need your help to guide him," Hiruzen said.
"Of course. I'm sure Jiraiya-sama will get up to speed quickly," Shikaku deflected.
Seeing how Shikaku avoided giving a direct answer, Hiruzen knew what he was thinking. But he had no other choice. Of his three disciples, Orochimaru had gone rogue, Tsunade—though extremely qualified—was adamant about not returning, and only Jiraiya remained.
Hiruzen sighed and looked at Shikaku with a nostalgic smile. "Shikaku, time really flies. I still remember when you, Inoichi, and Choza swore the earring oath. You had just graduated from the academy. Now, you're the village's pillars… and I'm getting old."
The moment Shikaku heard Hiruzen mention the earring oath, his heart sank. This was Hiruzen applying emotional pressure—essentially forcing Shikaku to speak for the entire Ino–Shika–Cho alliance. And now that the old man had brought up decades of loyalty, refusing him would seem ungrateful.
Shikaku sighed inwardly. While the Ino–Shika–Cho trio were no longer vassals of the Sarutobi clan like in the Warring States period, the tradition of forming a new generation's alliance with the Sarutobi as witnesses still stood. Now, Hiruzen invoking that tradition left him no room to refuse.
"If I may be blunt, Hokage-sama, perhaps you could just say what it is you truly wish of me," Shikaku said, rising and bowing slightly.
Hiruzen's eyes flickered. He knew that what he was asking of the trio this time was a bit much. Since the very first Ino–Shika–Cho, the agreement had always been: the Sarutobi would provide protection, while the other three would lend strategic and intel support.
But now, Hiruzen was asking them to step into the open—to gamble their clans' futures on backing Jiraiya.
Even if they succeeded in getting Jiraiya on the throne, the trio's position in the village wouldn't necessarily improve. But if they failed, all their years of effort would be wiped out overnight.
This was why, during the lockdown incident, they had allowed the Inuzuka and Aburame clans to hold them off despite being weaker. They didn't want to go all in.
"Shikaku, I hope you'll support Jiraiya in becoming the Fifth Hokage," Hiruzen said earnestly.
Silence fell over the office.
"Is that an order from the Hokage?" Shikaku finally asked.
"No… this is a personal request," Hiruzen admitted.
Shikaku's expression shifted slightly. "This is a heavy matter. Please allow me some time to consider."
"Of course," Hiruzen nodded. "Discuss it with Inoichi and Choza."
"I understand. I take my leave," Shikaku said and bowed.
After he left, Hiruzen lit his pipe and stared into space, reflecting on the state of the village.
Though Shikaku had asked for time, Hiruzen knew the request would ultimately be accepted. He had already played his best card—reminding them of generations of Sarutobi support. But he also understood that after this, the Sarutobi's bond with the Ino–Shika–Cho would never be the same.
When the Sixteenth generation of the trio formed their oath, the Sarutobi clan would no longer be qualified to witness it.
---
Back home, Shikaku intended to summon his old friends Inoichi and Choza right away. But first, he spotted his son Shikamaru sitting on the rooftop, staring at the stars.
"Shikamaru," he called up. "Come down a moment."
Snapped from his daze, young Shikamaru replied, "What is it, Dad?"
"Just come down. I need a word with you."
"Troublesome…" Shikamaru sighed. With a tired expression unbefitting his age, he climbed down. His father's tone meant it was something serious.
Inside the house, Shikaku led him to the study and pulled out a shogi board.
Seeing the setup, Shikamaru instantly knew—this wasn't going to be simple.
They played dozens of moves in silence, the match tight and evenly matched.
"Shikamaru, you're in the same class as the second son of the Uchiha clan, aren't you?" Shikaku finally asked as he placed a piece.
"You mean Sasuke? Yeah." Shikamaru nodded.
"What's your relationship with him like?"
"We barely talked at first, but lately he's always hanging out with Naruto, so Choji and I see him more often. Ino's always chasing him around, though."
"I see." Shikaku nodded thoughtfully. "Surprised there are kids your age who are willing to hang out with you besides Choji."
"Geez, Dad. That's rude," Shikamaru said, giving his father the classic dead-fish stare.
"Haha, don't take it personally. When I was your age, no one liked playing with me either—except Inoichi and Choza."
The Nara family's mix of high IQ and love of laziness wasn't exactly magnetic.
"So what is it you wanted to talk about?" Shikamaru asked.
"Soon, invite your friends over," Shikaku said. "Given your personality, I'm sure you've caused them some trouble. It's good manners to show appreciation."
"Pretty sure they're the ones bothering me…" Shikamaru muttered. Ever since Sasuke joined their little group, he and Naruto fought at least once a day. The racket they caused made it impossible for him to enjoy his lazy life.
"But fine. I'll invite them."
"Good," Shikaku said, satisfied. "I need to go meet with Inoichi and Choza now."
"Wait, Dad! At least clean up the board before you leave!" Shikamaru shouted. But his father was already gone.
"…What a pain." Shikamaru grumbled, reluctantly tidying the board.
Getting the answer he needed from his son, Shikaku walked with a lighter step toward his meeting.
He understood very well—Jiraiya wasn't Hiruzen's "chosen" successor. He was simply the only card Hiruzen had left to play.
If given a real choice, Shikaku would rather support Uchiha Douguang. Even if he was a little… unhinged, he was still a better bet than a man whose decisions were dictated by a toad.
But now that Hiruzen had forced them into this gamble with near emotional blackmail, they had no choice but to board the doomed vessel named "Jiraiya." Shikaku could already envision their eventual loss.
And yet… Shikamaru's words had reignited a tiny flicker of hope.
The current generation was already lost—but maybe the next would have a chance.
So be it, Shikaku thought. Let our generation serve as the sacrificial relics of a bygone era.
---
Over the next few days, word spread throughout the village: the legendary Sannin Jiraiya had been appointed as Hokage Advisor. Rumors quickly followed—Hiruzen was preparing to nominate him as the Fifth Hokage.
Uchiha Douguang and Kakashi, freshly returned from their mission clearing bandits, heard the news immediately.
Kakashi looked at Douguang, clearly curious about his reaction.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Douguang shrugged. "We're the ones who detained the future Hokage for a full seven days. If he wants revenge, neither of us are escaping."
"What's the plan?" Kakashi asked. "Do we leak his peeping scandal?"
After their pact under the moonlight, Kakashi had resolved to stand by Douguang no matter what.
"We could—but not yet." Douguang shook his head. "Even if that gets out, it'll just be a small blemish. It won't be enough to bring him down unless the timing is perfect."
"So what do we do?"
"We do what we're meant to," Douguang said. "In the end, it's the Jonin Council that decides the next Hokage—not him."
"Got it." Kakashi nodded. Douguang clearly had a plan—and as his partner, all Kakashi needed to do was support him.
After submitting their mission report, the two parted ways. Instead of going home, Kakashi went alone to the village cemetery, a bouquet in hand.
He found Obito's gravestone, gently placed the flowers down, and stared at the monument.
"Obito… I think I've finally found the path I should follow."
He touched the scarred eye under his headband and glanced at his right hand, forever stained.
"In the future I help build… I hope no one has to go through what we did."
He turned and left.
Moments later, the space above Obito's grave shimmered and twisted. A masked man with a single Sharingan eye emerged.
"A new world?" he scoffed. "How ridiculous."
—
Uchiha Obito had spent the past few months stirring chaos in Kirigakure. He hadn't paid attention to Konoha until Black Zetsu alerted him that something big was happening.
And now, just as he returned to Konoha for a brief visit… he heard Kakashi speak those words.
"Your clan has produced two new Mangekyō Sharingan users in recent years," Black Zetsu said, appearing beside him. "One of them is very close to your old friend."
"You've heard of him," Zetsu continued. "The one they call… Blue Lightning Douguang."
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