Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also believed that this 'strategist' of the Nara clan, who could be considered the most intelligent person in his own ninja village, would surely give a relatively correct and rational judgment or suggestion.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Shikaku had anticipated this, and felt that his Third Hokage should be asking him questions soon, so he had prepared his answer in advance.

"I agree with what Lord Danzo said about the movements of the Hidden Stone Village. It was precisely because they saw that the clash between our village and the Cloud Village in the Land of Hot Water had reached a stalemate, and because of some additional information they had gathered, that they decided to put pressure on our Hidden Stone Village. If I had to say what the probability was, I would personally lean towards a 50/50 chance."

Nara Shikaku bowed slightly in acknowledgment, and then pointed out in rather veiled terms the previous loss of Root's elite troops within the Land of Earth, as well as the arrest of a high-ranking spy from the village codenamed "Walking Shrine Maiden."

It was emphasized that the situation in Iwagakure is currently under relatively control.

This seems to align with Danzo's assessment.

In reality, this statement leaves room for interpretation.

Danzo Shimura's expression darkened, and as he glanced meaningfully at Shikaku Nara, the head of the Nara clan felt a chill run down his spine, but maintained a calm demeanor and continued, "Therefore, I think we should maintain a cautious approach with Iwagakure and further probe their delegation to see if we can extract more information. However, we need to focus on the Kumogakure side. I believe they have similar intentions to Iwagakure—to use their strength against them and leverage the pressure they exert to subdue us!"

It's not easy to judge what's going on with Iwagakure. The key point is that Uchiha Shoji's attitude is somewhat intriguing, but the Cloud Village's intentions are, in Nara Shikaku's view, all too obvious!

This is a blatant attempt to subdue the enemy without a fight.

By pressuring the two major ninja villages, they could force Konoha to accept their conditions and thus voluntarily withdraw from the Land of Hot Water. This would avoid further clashes and losses, allowing them to profit while also having the luxury of watching the two sides fight from the sidelines.

"You mean the Hidden Cloud Village is determined to take over the Land of Hot Springs, is that right, Shikaku?"

The Third Hokage paused in his act of raising his pipe, then slowly lowered it, asking with a solemn expression.

"Yes, Third Hokage, I personally believe that the Cloud Ninja side is 100% determined to take over the Land of Hot Springs. The previous military operation was halted not because they really wanted to negotiate peace with us, but because when they saw the Iwa Ninja's actions, they didn't want to draw too much of our firepower and let the Iwagakure village gain too much advantage. They also felt that they could obtain what they wanted from us without paying too much, just by using intimidation. That's why they made this judgment!"

Nara Shikaku nodded and continued.

"Is that right?"

The Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully.

Mitokado Hō and Utatane Koharu, sitting nearby, both wore thoughtful expressions.

"So what's your suggestion?"

"My view is to try to keep the Iwagakure side calm, without provoking them or revealing our hand, and then gradually advance negotiations with the Kumogakure. If the Kumogakure side can take a little initiative to back down, I think we can really move forward with the negotiations. Of course, some details will depend on how things develop!"

Nara Shikaku said in a deep voice.

Some things cannot be said too clearly, especially when it comes to major military strategic issues. The Cloud Ninja's demand is that Konoha completely withdraw from the territory of the Land of Hot Springs. Such a major military concession is necessary and can only be decided by the Third Hokage. No one else can act on his behalf!

Shikaku was also very cautious in this regard, and did not easily express his opinion. Whether to give up or to stand firm, it was the Hokage's right, and not something he could interfere with.

Even though Shikaku was 99% certain that the Third Hokage was already planning to abandon the Land of Hot Springs and withdraw his village's forces back to the border of the Land of Fire, he would never speak up lightly.

This is also one of the reasons why the Third Hokage highly valued and appreciated Nara Shikaku.

Even Shimura Danzo, sitting to the side, looked at Nara Shikaku with a hint of regret. Why couldn't this shrewd strategist serve him? Danzo had tried several times to recruit Shikaku into his Root clan, but firstly, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't agree, and secondly, Shikaku was the head of a clan. Nara was a renowned ninja clan in Konoha, and it seemed impossible for someone of his status to join Root.

She was quick-witted and very skillful with her words. She seemed to agree with Danzo's ideas, but in fact, she refuted Danzo's actions on the core points. In Shikaku's view, both sides were negotiable and there was no need to forcefully suppress one side.

Shikaku admitted that Danzo's words made sense, but with his keen senses, he could tell that his elder Danzo must have his own plans, and his target was none other than the Uchiha clan, and could even be further identified as Uchiha Shoji!

In the end, Shikaku still felt that his elder Danzo was too arrogant. His village had experienced so many incidents, and the situation the village was facing now was extremely precarious. Why couldn't this elder just calm down?

If the unrest escalates, it will be a situation that Konoha cannot handle!

Shikaku truly didn't know how to describe his elder. Was he really that stupid? Or did he actually have some hidden trump card?

At least Shikaku didn't want to see his own ninja village and Iwagakure clash head-on at this juncture, even though the Ino-Shika-Cho clan and Uchiha Shoji had a deep-seated hatred for each other. As a wise man and the clan leader, he needed to consider the common future interests of Nara and even the Ino-Shika-Cho clan.

Choosing a roundabout route and using gentleness to overcome rigidity is the most correct approach to solving problems.

Those present, all seasoned veterans, easily understood the unspoken meaning, especially Yamanaka Inoichi, a close friend of Nara Shikaku.

Naturally, Danzo felt regretful while appreciating it.

However, this time he did not rush to refute Nara Shikaku, because he had already made the necessary preparations. Even if things were not going well here for the time being, he was confident that the situation would develop according to his wishes.

Because Danzo knew his Hokage friend too well!

He will definitely negotiate a compromise with the Hidden Cloud Village, which will be his opportunity. Danzo even went against his conscience and said he was willing to negotiate with the Hidden Cloud Village, which is proof of this. You have to know that this old guy is a complete hawk, the kind of person who will not compromise with anyone.

"What do you think of Shikaku's opinion?"

Although he already had a plan, Hiruzen Sarutobi still decided to go through the formalities. He leaned forward slightly, crossed his hands on the table, and looked at Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.

"Yes, I also think we should take a look first. This isn't something to rush into, and the key point is indeed on the side of the Cloud Ninja!"

I agree!

Mitokado Enoki and Utatane Koharu also nodded in agreement.

Danzo snorted and said, "My opinion remains the same. As long as it doesn't involve core interests, everything is negotiable with Kumogakure. But we must exert strong pressure on Iwagakure. The Uchiha clan is the problem that Konoha must be 100% vigilant about and deal with!"

This was an attitude that had to be made clear. Danzo was well aware that his three closest friends now distrusted him to a certain extent, and for the sake of his plans, some cover-up was necessary. In any case, Danzo was very confident in his next arrangements.

Danzo believed that the Uchiha clan's escape was only due to a sudden incident last time. He was confident that as long as his plan was more thorough this time, there would be no more accidents.

Having successfully defeated Uchiha Shoji, wouldn't the rest of the situation be entirely under my control?

This dark figure of Konoha had long ago made up his mind that he would not miss what he considered to be the best opportunity.

"Let's agree on this for now. Shikaku, as before, you'll be in charge of negotiating the details with the Cloud Ninja delegation. The bottom line is that we can withdraw from our strongholds around Yuzumi Mountain, but we cannot afford to lose the area covered by the forward garrison at Fengzui Mountain, which borders the country. If the Cloud Ninja are truly sincere, they can withdraw a group of members first, and then we can begin withdrawing our troops, ceding the Yuzumi Mountain area to the Cloud Ninja!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately chose a limited compromise, relinquishing the most important stronghold at Yuzumi-zan. This meant that if another major war were to break out in the future, Konoha would no longer be able to gain the initiative to attack the Land of Hot Springs. Unless they committed all their forces, they would most likely be able to rely on the defenses around the Hōzui-zan area for defense.

Just like Sunagakure, which lost its northern fortress, although not as tragic as Sunagakure.

But their nature is the same.

338. Their thoughts and goals

Ultimately, it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's old habit of being "moderate" and "peaceful" that led him to want to achieve a true peace with the Cloud Ninja, but also to leave some room for maneuver. This was the Third Hokage's truest thought. Leaving the stronghold around Mount Hōzui and building a defensive line around it was the best manifestation of this personality.

To be honest, Shikaku didn't think it was a good decision. It felt like he was pleasing neither side. He wanted to say something more, but then he thought about something and swallowed his words. If it were Minato Namikaze or Tsunade who succeeded him in the original story, Shikaku would have given him a direct and honest piece of advice, instead of acting like this half-hearted person.

However, if the Hokage at this moment were Minato, Tsunade, or even Jiraiya, this situation might not have occurred. It can only be said that it was all fate.

Shikaku sighed inwardly, but outwardly remained calm and composed as he bowed and replied, "Yes, Hokage-sama, I understand!"

"Yes, I trust you with my expertise. As for the Iwa ninja, En, you continue to negotiate with them. Inoichi, you assist Elder Mitomon. Remember, you must not miss any information or details."

Hiruzen Sarutobi first said the first half of his sentence to Homura Mitokado, then turned to look at Inoichi Yamanaka on the other side and said the same thing.

"Yes, don't worry, Hiruzen!"

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Mitomon En and Yamanaka Inoichi responded in kind.

"And then next..."

After that, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to discuss other important matters concerning the village with Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo.

At the Third Hokage's signal, Shikaku and Inoichi left the Hokage's office ahead of time.

"Shikaku, did you have something else you wanted to say to the Third Hokage just now?"

While Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others couldn't see it, Yamanaka Inoichi, as a close friend of many years, could still sense a slight change in Nara Shikaku's thoughts. With just a flicker of his eyes, Yamanaka Inoichi could grasp some of Shikaku's ideas.

On the road leading back to their clan's residence after leaving the Hokage Building, Inoichi suddenly asked a question.

Upon hearing this, Shikaku paused slightly, then sighed softly as if he had anticipated it, and said, "Inoichi, I still think the Hokage's decision was a little too conservative."

Even in private, in situations where he was almost 100% certain that no one else was around, Shikaku still used rather cautious language when it came to the Third Hokage. This was not only out of respect for his own Hokage, but more importantly, it was due to Shikaku's cautious and meticulous nature.

He didn't want to cause too much unnecessary trouble because of some nonsensical questions, which would be extremely foolish for himself and his clan.

Despite the very cautious wording, Haiyi could discern the true meaning: Shikaku wanted to show that his Third Hokage wanted to make peace with the Cloud Ninja while also leaving himself some room for maneuver—a situation of wanting to have his cake and eat it too.

"Then why is it that you, too, are right, and it might be the most appropriate thing to say?"

Hai Yi was taken aback at first, then seemed to think of something, his brows furrowed slightly, and he said in a low voice.

Konoha has really entered a strange cycle. Although only a little over three years have passed, Inoichi is gradually feeling that Konoha is becoming more and more unfamiliar, especially the four high-ranking leaders of his own ninja village.

This made Haiyi occasionally feel a chill run down his spine whenever he faced it.

He truly missed his Fourth Hokage, who had sacrificed his life. If that lord hadn't died and were still alive, the village would never have ended up like this. This wasn't just about the Uchiha clan; it included many, many things that had happened over the past three years.

Even at this moment, Inoichi had a slightly rebellious thought: "If only Jiraiya or Tsunade had returned to be the Fifth Hokage after the Fourth Hokage's sacrifice, instead of the Third Hokage returning to power."

In just a moment, Yamanaka Inoichi realized that his mindset was somewhat dangerous, and his heart skipped a beat. He immediately forced the thought out of his mind and adjusted his mentality.

Watching his dearest friend's ever-changing expression.

Shikaku could guess a little bit, and then gently patted Inoichi's shoulder and said, "Anyway, during this period of time, we shouldn't do anything unnecessary. Just follow the established rules. You should also give some instructions to Choza. After all, it's only for these few years, right? There's still room for everything to be salvaged!"

Just like when Haiyi had the thought of Jiraiya and Tsunade succeeding as the Fifth Hokage.

Shikaku had had similar thoughts for a long time. In his opinion, the most suitable leader for the village now must be either Jiraiya or Tsunade. Although he didn't know why, one of them never came back, and the other only came back occasionally and didn't stay for long.

But he believed that these two adults still cared about the village. After all, the Third Hokage was getting old, and Shikaku firmly believed that in a few years at most, Jiraiya and Tsunade would definitely return to the village to take charge.

That will be the time for Konoha to truly bounce back from rock bottom. Before that time comes, it is necessary to lie low for a while, which is one of the reasons why Shikaku has been holding back his strength.

Surely our village can't just completely decline and even come to the brink of destruction in the next few years?

Shikaku was confident that his village was the leader of all nations that had won the three Shinobi World Wars. Moreover, the checks and balances between nations were one of the most important factors that allowed his village to maintain a relatively stable situation.

Given this situation, it's best for us to observe more closely. This doesn't mean we should shirk our responsibilities; we still need to do what needs to be done. We must carry out the orders given by the Third Hokage without any compromise. We just need to avoid getting involved in or interfering with anything else. In the past, we could explain it away as youthful impetuosity and ignorance, but now that we've all become heads of our clans, especially fathers, we understand the weight of our responsibilities even more clearly. Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi, in particular, have witnessed the death of Akimichi Torifu, the eldest of the three clans, in battle.

I've grown a lot overnight.

Keep in mind that they are only in their early twenties.

"Yes, I understand, don't worry, Shikaku."

Hai Yi nodded emphatically and said.

"Then, let's go!"

Shikaku smiled slightly, looking slightly more relaxed.

The two started afresh, heading back towards their clan's territory.

This is the initial strategic issue.

Then, the events unfolded over the next day, with the Iwagakure delegation, which seemed to be receiving a somewhat cold reception, and the Kumogakure delegation, which was receiving full attention from Konoha. The difference in their treatment of each other was quite obvious.

Jiang Si, however, was not worried at all.