Bab 129: Chapter 129
Kaito had no idea what Uchiha Fugaku and the others were thinking. Otherwise, he would feel compelled to defend himself.
Where was he being ruthless? His actions were entirely conscientious.
Think about it: selling at twenty percent below black market prices, wouldn't you say these buyers are making a killing?
And given the current situation, who else would sell to them? Even if they were willing to sell, the quantity could never be so high.
After all, the scrutiny of these items is strict. Whether it's the major nations or the rulers of the smaller ones, naturally, they wouldn't want and allow the power of their rivals to be enhanced.
Therefore, various forms of restrictions would inevitably occur. Kaito, selling to them in such an environment, even with some defects, could be seen as helping them!
"Besides, I have collected less from them. No matter how you look at it, I have been very charitable!"
In the night, Kaito, muttering to himself, moved towards his destination. He was now off to meet Nara Shikaku.
In truth, Kaito didn't want to find Nara Shikaku so soon, especially in such a pitch-black environment.
But Shikaku's political affairs department had held up the resources he had applied for, prompting Kaito to take action.
Kaito knew that it was quite normal for these resources to be withheld. After all, the security department had just recently applied.
Another application now would prompt anyone to scrutinize, especially coming from the security department.
The tension between Uchiha and Sarutobi Hiruzen was well known within the Konoha clan circles.
Though Nara Shikaku had revealed Kaito's intentions, the Konoha ninjas were generally aware of what the Uchihas sought.
They wanted to integrate into Konoha and get a fair chance. This, everyone, had either explicitly or implicitly supported.
But Kaito had once attacked the foundation, and there had recently been an incident of 'nipping in the bud.'
Applying now for such a large amount of resources, Nara Shikaku, from the standpoint of the political affairs department, had to be vigilant and strictly manage.
Kaito didn't see any problem with Shikaku's actions, but he needed to have a good meeting with Shikaku.
And he also needed to leak some information in advance to gauge the reaction of the Minister of Political Affairs.
Ultimately, to impeach the Hokage through the proper process required the help of influential individuals and clans.
After a while, Kaito arrived at a forest. Before entering, he activated his Sharingan.
As the crimson tri-tomoe spun slightly, he quickly scanned everything around him, making sure there was no trouble before proceeding.
After discussing with Uchiha Fugaku and the others during the day, Kaito set off alone and arrived near the Nara clan.
Then, using his space-time travel ability, he quietly infiltrated the Nara clan and left a letter in Nara Shikaku's study.
The content of the letter was an invitation for Nara Shikaku to meet him that evening.
Having done all this, Kaito lingered outside the Nara clan's vicinity for a while, only following after confirming that Nara Shikaku had left.
Soon, he caught sight of Nara Shikaku, standing alone in the forest, waiting in silence. However, he also noticed the presence of others lurking in the darkness.
But Kaito didn't worry about this. His chakra stirred slightly, and then he disappeared on the spot.
Nara Shikaku waited patiently. He was not perturbed by Kaito's tardiness; truth be told, he was early.
Returning home from work, he thought this would be another boring and peaceful day.
But what he didn't expect was a shock when he entered his study. There was an extra letter on his desk!
He was certain the letter wasn't there when he left. He had even considered if his wife had put it there.
But the answer he got was no. His wife hadn't been in the study, and this instantly put Nara Shikaku on high alert.
Because it meant someone had silently entered the Nara clan's premises and even his room without anyone noticing!
It was a terrifying thought. If anyone wanted to harm him, he would probably have no idea what happened.
Though Nara Shikaku was filled with unease, he calmly finished reading the letter, but then he was a bit taken aback.
Because this letter was left by Kaito, with a straightforward purpose: to meet him alone.
Seeing this, Nara Shikaku felt slightly relieved. However, while at ease, he also pondered what Kaito could want to discuss with him.
The secrecy suggested it wouldn't be a simple matter, which gave Nara Shikaku a slight headache.
But after much thought, he decided to meet this head of the security department, the Uchiha clan leader, alone.
Just as well, he could find out what exactly this young man was thinking.
As he waited quietly, Nara Shikaku mulled over these thoughts. Suddenly, he noticed a slight distortion in the space before him.
The next moment, before he could fully react, Kaito appeared in front of him!
That moment made Nara Shikaku understand how Kaito had left a letter in his study without a sound.
Because this guy, just like the Fourth Hokage, had mastered space-time ninjutsu!
"Minister Shikaku, I hope you'll forgive my tardiness," Kaito said, smiling at Nara Shikaku.
"I apologize for inviting you here so abruptly, Minister Shikaku. I had no choice, considering I wouldn't dare to find you at the Ministry of Political Affairs."
The Ministry of Political Affairs was located within the Hokage building, which highlights its importance to Konoha and the Hokage.
Kaito wouldn't dare to go there to find Nara Shikaku, especially since what he wanted to discuss was far from trivial.
Just his visiting Sarutobi Hiruzen alone would probably raise suspicions, and even if no one came knocking, he was certain there would be Anbu lurking about, which was not something he desired.
So, Kaito had no other choice but to make this decision and meet with Nara Shikaku in such a place.
"I think I can understand Kaito's predicament."
Nara Shikaku gazed at the boy in front of him, who was maintaining a light smile, and he couldn't help but sigh deeply.
"Kaito's power is indeed astonishing. I didn't expect that Kaito would also master the power of space. This reminds me of certain individuals."
"Indeed, there are not many in this world who possess spatial ninjutsu: the Second Hokage, the Fourth Hokage, and that mysterious Uchiha who killed the Fourth."
Kaito looked at Nara Shikaku calmly and said with a slight smile, "Unfortunately, I can't interact with them. Two of them are dead, and one is our sworn enemy. If I had my current strength nine years ago, perhaps everything would be different."
"Kaito, don't get me wrong, I was just being sentimental."
Upon hearing Kaito's words, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but shake his head immediately. His previous words were somewhat sentimental, but upon further reflection, they seemed to have a taste of doubt and suspicion.
Indeed, too few in this world have spatial ninjutsu, and even fewer among the Uchihas. It seemed natural that Kaito would react sensitively.
Shaking his head, Nara Shikaku finally spoke, "Kaito, I'm curious what you wanted to discuss with me tonight?"
"Actually, this abrupt interruption was a necessary action." Kaito helplessly spread his hands. "Firstly, I naturally want to ask when the materials requested by the security department will be distributed?"
First? Materials?
Upon hearing Kaito's words, Nara Shikaku instantly understood. Kaito likely had more to discuss tonight.
However, whether the discussion could proceed mainly depended on the issue of these materials. If this topic was not agreed upon, then the 'firstly' would have no 'secondly'.
Nara Shikaku seriously pondered for a moment. He considered whether to continue the conversation, as he was unsure of Kaito's specific plans, which put him on the back foot.
Yet he had to admit one thing; he genuinely wanted to understand Kaito's ideas, especially his inexplicable cut-off-all-escape-routes approach and the improvement in the security department's reputation.
Everything seemed normal, but it all made him feel something was amiss. The large batch of materials requested by the security department now only added to this strangeness.
"The security department requested a batch of materials last June, and now, less than a year later, they are requesting again, and the amount is more than double the previous request."
As Nara Shikaku was thinking, he slowly spoke. It was clear from his expression that he was taking this very seriously.
"While I understand Kaito's intent to expand the security department, this request seems to be too large. Regardless, I need to audit this strictly."
After saying these words, Nara Shikaku paused for a moment. He observed Kaito closely, noting the tension that began to surface on Kaito's face. Only then did he add softly, "However, I haven't submitted the documents to the Hokage yet, so he's currently unaware of this matter."
Upon hearing these words, the tension on Kaito's face immediately eased, even breaking into a faint smile.
"It's really been hard on you, Minister Shikaku. Actually, I have my own reasons and difficulties for doing this."
With that, Kaito's expression swiftly shifted from a smile to one of helplessness.
As the saying goes, Hyuga Hiashi is right, people put on different masks to deal with different people, different situations, and even different moods.
This is by no means derogatory. To change the 'mask' one wears depending on the person or situation can actually stimulate empathy. After all, Kaito is indeed in a difficult position.
"Difficulties?" Shikaku raised an eyebrow, asking curiously, "I wonder what kind of difficulties Kaito is facing?"
"Before I talk about this, I want to ask Minister Shikaku a question." Kaito let out a deep sigh, "What does Minister Shikaku think of our current Hokage?"
.....
Shikaku had been able to guess that whatever Kaito was planning likely had something to do with their Hokage. Now, with Kaito's question, his suspicions were fully confirmed.
This made him involuntarily wet his lips as he worried about Kaito embarking on a dangerous path.
"Minister Shikaku, there is no need to worry. If I wanted to attack him, I could have done so when dealing with Danzo. Why would I wait until now?"
Kaito, seeing Shikaku's discomfort, immediately reassured him.
Viewed from the perspective of others, Kaito realised he must seem like a real menace.
First, eradicating the remnants of Root revealed Kaito's vengeful nature. And now, the Security Department was applying for a large amount of equipment and supplies.
Could this be interpreted as arming the members of the Security Department?
Considering Kaito's character, it could be seen as gearing up for a showdown with the Hokage!
"Good heavens, have I somehow become the biggest villain?"
After understanding Shikaku's worries, Kaito was somewhat taken aback. If he was in Shikaku's shoes, facing such circumstances, he'd probably feel immense concern, wouldn't he?
"Is that so?"
Shikaku looked at Kaito with skepticism, mulling over his words and their credibility.
Shikaku didn't leave Kaito hanging for long because he suddenly realised that if Kaito really intended to cause trouble for Hiruzen, the entire Konoha might not be able to react in time!
With just his peculiar space ninjutsu, he could effortlessly transport their Hokage to the afterlife.
Yet Kaito had not done so, and this could be seen as a rational decision.
Shikaku really didn't think Kaito, with his individual strength and space ninjutsu, couldn't pull off seemingly impossible feats!
"The Hokage, huh?"
After thinking things through, Shikaku began to respond following Kaito's line of thought. He wondered whether the Hokage had been involved in some incident.
"The Hokage is an extremely responsible leader, and at the same time, he is a confident Hokage.
Responsibility and confidence are his qualities. No matter what the situation, he will handle it himself to the best of his abilities and believes that he can do well.
Even if there are minor flaws, who is perfect?"
After pondering for a moment, Shikaku finally voiced these words, causing Kaito to raise an eyebrow.
This is what they call high emotional intelligence!
At first listen, it seems like praise for Hiruzen Sarutobi, but on closer inspection, something seems off.
Based on Sarutobi's actions as Hokage, could his extreme sense of responsibility be viewed as a power grab?
His confidence lies in believing that everything he's done for Konoha is right, including the handling of the Hyuga clan and the judgement on the Uchiha clan!
But in reality, his confidence has morphed into arrogance.
The repercussions of his actions are unimaginable. Look at the state of things now - among the families of ninja in Konoha, who still holds any goodwill towards him?
Even Shikaku, who still speaks on behalf of Sarutobi, is doing so purely due to his role as Minister of Administration.
One can only imagine Sarutobi's current predicament. Although it's better than the universally condemned Danzo, it's not by much.
"I think I understand now."
Kaito seriously looked at Shikaku for quite a while, finally nodded, and then said softly.
"I think the main reason is that the Hokage has gotten old. His thinking and judgement have begun to falter.
This has led to the situation escalating to its current state, even showing signs of deterioration."
"Deterioration?"
Shikaku sighed at those words, sensing something significant given Kaito's actions. This was not a trivial matter.
After all, Kaito made Sarutobi suffer a big loss, something he wouldn't easily let slide.
Even more so, these issues might involve their clans who have been benefiting!
Thinking about this, Shikaku could only helplessly reply.
"You called me out this late perhaps because you feel you can trust me.
This trust may be based on Yamanaka or perhaps because we're both from ninja families.
In any case, it seems inevitable that our meeting tonight will lead to a result, right?"
"Indeed, some things are bound to have results."
Kaito nodded, then reached into his ninja pouch. A letter was swiftly taken out, but he didn't hand it over immediately.
"Honestly, Minister Shikaku, if you hadn't intercepted that batch of supplies from the security department, I don't think I would've approached you this quickly.
After all, Minister Shikaku, you should know I am a dangerous individual, and you should also know that once you read this letter, your options to back out will be limited.
Also, the two hidden ones should either leave or come out. Consider this advice."
Kaito's expression didn't change much, but his words were no longer as calm as before.
Shikaku looked at the letter in Kaito's hand. There was some hesitation, but he soon made a decision.
Certain things need to be clarified, whether standing in the position of the Minister of Administration or from the standpoint of the family.
Hiruzen Sarutobi has indeed crossed the line with the ninja families of Konoha. If they really do nothing, the outcome is bound to be bleak.
Holding the letter, Shikaku waved his hand and began to read it earnestly.
Meanwhile, Kaito could clearly sense that the person hidden in the shadows quickly left the scene.
Shikaku read swiftly, pondering while reading. He now somewhat understood why Kaito would attack members of the Root.
However, having understood, he sighed a bit. Only Kaito, with his strength, could do such a thing. Others probably wouldn't even dare to dream about it.
Moreover, the content of the letter made Shikaku frown. The suppression of the village's ninja families and departments greatly upset him.
However, Shikaku did not make a full statement. He had many doubts, so he asked,
"Has all of this been confirmed, especially this intelligence?"
"I don't know who sent the information, and I once suspected whether someone was using me to confront the Hokage."
Since everything was out in the open, Kaito naturally needed to clarify. He looked at Shikaku and slowly explained.
"But I definitely do not want to let go of those remnants from the Root. However, my goal in doing this was to test our Hokage.
And after testing, I'm fairly certain that this intelligence is true, and foresee the difficulties the security department is about to face.
Therefore, I must do something. Hokage repeatedly targets the Uchiha and the security department. Is this what a qualified Hokage should do?
Also, Minister Shikaku, today the Hokage can target the Uchiha like this, and he hasn't considered everyone's opinion, disregarding all and pushing out Hyuga.
So, in the future, how will he deal with other families?"
This is a real problem. Hiruzen Sarutobi's journey to this point and even his future is closely tied to his series of actions towards ninja families.
Kaito held onto this point firmly. After all, the ninja families are somewhat proud. They unified under Konoha because of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Even Hashirama Senju, the first Hokage known as the God of the Ninja world, did not treat them the way they're being treated now.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, you are a designated Hokage, without any votes or selection, and you don't belong to any secret technique or bloodline clan. Why are you going so far?
Shikaku Nara looked silently at the letter in his hand, then turned to Kaito. It was quite some time before he slowly asked:
"So, what does Kaito plan to do? We two alone cannot achieve much, what options do we have after the Third has left?
And, Kaito, you never really clarified, what do you want to do with those supplies?"
"To the first question, what do you think of Lord Jiraiya, Minister Shikaku?"
Seeing Shikaku's expression, Kaito knew that he had more or less persuaded the smartest man in Konoha, so a smile appeared on his face again.
"As for the supplies, it's quite frustrating to say, but the reform of the Security Department needs funding.
To counteract the Hokage's attacks, we've made many changes, and we're also quite short on funds.
So we..."
"You're not planning to sell them, are you?"
Before Kaito could finish speaking, Shikaku's expression slightly changed.
"Do you know what you're doing? If this gets discovered, it would become a diplomatic issue!"
"Of course we know, but do we have any other choice?"
Kaito calmly looked at Shikaku, shaking his head as he replied.
"The Ministry of Finance is in the hands of the Hokage. He can withhold funds and block us with all kinds of excuses. What can we do?
Are we supposed to use our family funds to compensate for the loss caused by the Hokage?"
"Of course that's impossible, but this move is too risky."
Using family funds to compensate for the shortfall in Konoha's departments is something no one would do. Naturally, Shikaku wouldn't agree.
However, this matter is indeed too risky. Once discovered, the trouble would be immense.
"But there's one thing Minister Shikaku can be assured of."
Seeing Shikaku's worried expression, Kaito's mind turned, suddenly thinking of something, and a smile reappeared on his face.
"Those responsible for transportation will definitely be elites, even Shisui, Fugaku, or I could be in charge. We will ensure that this won't blow up.
Moreover, to ensure safety, I think I should find some sensory-type ninja to cooperate, such as members of the Yamanaka clan."
As he said this, the smile on Kaito's face became brighter, but Shikaku seemed slightly taken aback.
"You mean..."
"Whether it's to compensate for the deficit in the family or in the department, this money is an excellent choice.
Moreover, in terms of transportation, and the sealing scrolls, we need Minister Shikaku's help.
In that case, isn't it better for us to cooperate and retrieve what rightfully belongs to us, without causing any loss to Konoha?"
At this moment, Kaito showed his hand completely, and his words put Shikaku into deep thought...
//
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