Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

As one of the core members of the legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Konoha's most trusted strategist, Nara Shikaku was universally acknowledged for his brilliance.

Even though he often appeared lethargic, his mind was sharper than anyone else's.

The moment he heard Jiraiya's tone and the angry roars of the Third Hokage echoing through the corridor, Shikaku instantly pieced together what had happened.

Great. As if having a colossal threat like Uzumaki Chito hanging over our heads wasn't enough, the Third Hokage is now in conflict with Konoha's strongest asset.

What a headache.

The sheer absurdity of the situation made Shikaku feel an exhaustion that went far beyond physical fatigue.

If I'd known it would come to this, I might've let myself get taken when Naruto invaded Konoha to snatch Iruka and Anko.

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Shikaku realized Jiraiya had already stormed off. With a resigned sigh, he knelt to pick up the scattered documents from the floor before continuing toward the Hokage's office.

When Shikaku entered the office, he found the Third Hokage and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire engaged in what appeared to be an amicable conversation.

If an outsider had walked in, they might have believed it was still the era of the Third Hokage's leadership.

The sight made Shikaku sigh inwardly.

Really, when you were alive, you didn't have this irrational hunger for power.

But as a seasoned strategist, Shikaku's ability to mask his emotions was impeccable. Despite the irritation simmering in his heart, he greeted them with his usual calm demeanor, betraying nothing.

The Third Hokage noticed Shikaku's arrival and immediately beckoned him forward. His semi-translucent soul form took on a regretful expression as he turned to the Daimyo.

"This is Nara Shikaku," the Third Hokage said with a smile. "Konoha's most brilliant strategist. He'll work with you to finalize the next steps."

Then, with a touch of exaggerated regret, he added, "Unfortunately, my time outside the stone has run out for today."

With that, the Third Hokage's form dissolved into black smoke and vanished into the cursed stone, leaving Shikaku alone with the Daimyo.

The Daimyo's demeanor shifted immediately. The amicable smile he had worn moments ago twisted into a smug, condescending smirk.

"So, you're the one in charge now," he sneered.

"You should already know my instructions. From this moment forward, Konoha will serve as my temporary capital as we fight to crush the rebels."

He leaned back, his posture radiating arrogance.

"Prepare me a villa and several maids—I need to rest. Oh, and I've heard rumors about the female ninjas of Konoha—"

Shikaku's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle but unmistakable sign of his growing anger. Anyone who knew him well would recognize it as the precursor to a calculated response.

But even as his irritation mounted, Shikaku weighed his options carefully.

If this is the Hokage's order, disobeying it could create unnecessary complications.

Reluctantly, he bowed slightly and said, "Understood. Since these are the Third Hokage's instructions, please follow me."

He deliberately ignored the Daimyo's requests for maids, villas, and his lecherous implications about female ninjas. If he wants those, he can deal with the Third Hokage himself.

The Daimyo's face darkened at Shikaku's vague response, but he held his tongue. Without the explicit backing of Konoha's leadership, he didn't dare openly confront a ninja.

With a huff, he followed Shikaku, his dissatisfaction evident in the way he carried himself.

The next day, the Daimyo presented a national decree he had written, declaring his authority and rallying the other nations against the rebellion.

Sitting in the Hokage's office, the Daimyo wiped sweat from his brow as he proudly handed the document to the Third Hokage, who hovered nearby in his spectral form.

"This decree will demonstrate the seriousness of the situation," the Daimyo declared smugly.

"Once the other great nations see it, they'll unite under my banner to crush the so-called 'Shin-Konoha.'"

"With their support, we'll annihilate these rebels in no time."

The Third Hokage's eyes gleamed with approval as he reached for the letter.

"Excellent! With this, we can claim the moral high ground and expose Uzumaki Chito's shamelessness to the entire ninja world," he said, his voice brimming with self-satisfaction.

"When the whole world turns against him, Uzumaki Chito won't stand a chance. And Konoha will be hailed as heroes for leading the charge."

The Third Hokage glanced at the gathered shinobi, his expression smug as he added, "All thanks to the Daimyo's generosity—and my wisdom, of course."

But just as his hand touched the decree, the Daimyo abruptly snatched it back, holding it out of reach.

The Third Hokage froze, his confident smile faltering.

"Daimyo-sama," he said, his tone laced with confusion, "what are you doing?"