From Naruto onwards, I've become a dreamer.

Chapter 50 Times Have Changed

It must be said that Nara Shikaku was quite handsome when he was young.

At first glance, he looks almost exactly like Nara Shikamaru, with the Nara family's signature ponytail and wearing a green Jonin vest.

His calm and composed demeanor, coupled with his seasoned experience in dealing with people, explains why he was entrusted with important responsibilities by Hiruzen Sarutobi at such a young age.

"Thank you for your hard work. Since it's the Hokage's order, let's go now."

Since he happened to have nothing to do recently, Uchiha Muneki nodded in agreement.

"Not at all, you're welcome."

Nara Shikaku smiled humbly and said, "With the Uchiha clan's geniuses here for this Chunin Exam, I feel much more at ease. Please give me your assistance."

The two exchanged insincere compliments before leaving the Uchiha mansion together.

"I've heard that you, Zongyue, are very skilled in illusion magic?"

As they were walking, Nara Shikaku suddenly started a conversation for no apparent reason, and it seemed to have a hidden meaning.

"Hmm? That's right, Mr. Shikaku."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Munetsuki adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "My Sharingan seems to have a greater talent for genjutsu. Why would Mr. Shikaku suddenly ask about this?"

He quietly activated his spiritual vision, taking in all of Nara Shikaku's thoughts, emotions, and state of mind.

Vigilance, doubt, and confusion—Nara Shikaku's psychological and emotional state was remarkably frequent.

"Ah, hahaha. It's nothing, I'm just a little curious."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Nara Shikaku's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, pretending to be chatting casually, and said, "To be honest, I've been having some worries lately. I've heard that you're very good at this, Munezuki, and I'm planning to try your psychological therapy."

"I see. If it's Mr. Shikaku, I can give you a 20% discount," Uchiha Munetsuki said gently.

Neither his answers nor his facial expressions gave him the slightest flaw.

"Yes, I'll definitely give it a try once I'm done with this busy period."

Nara Shikaku carefully averted his gaze, temporarily suppressing his doubts and ceasing to dwell on the matter: "Let's hurry over there; the others should have arrived by now."

"Okay, Mr. Shikaku."

Uchiha Munegetsu remained calm and composed, his expression unchanged.

As expected, Danzo's series of antics, though not very effective, eventually attracted the attention of those above.

Judging from Nara Shikaku's several probing attempts, it is highly likely that he was instructed by Sarutobi Hiruzen to secretly investigate whether his genjutsu, "Wish Fulfillment," had any intention of harming Konoha.

If he's not mistaken, there should be another person investigating this matter besides Nara Shikaku.

The Yamanaka clan, one of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, is the only family in Konoha Village that is proficient in the spiritual realm.

"Heh, go ahead and investigate."

Uchiha Muneki was completely unfazed by the fact that he was being secretly investigated; in fact, he expressed his anticipation.

Although he planted psychological suggestions in those people during the treatment process, he had already guessed that he would be investigated, so he hid them deep in the island of his mind.

Even if Yamanaka Inoichi were to invade someone's brain and thoroughly examine everyone, it would be absolutely impossible to find any "hints" he left behind.

The reason for his confidence, of course, lies in the unique nature of the "audience" approach.

If a dignified Sequence 6 audience member is so easily discovered, they might as well not be an audience member at all and just switch to the 'stealing' route next door.

While they were pondering, they arrived at the Hokage Building.

Several people were already seated in the room. At a glance, they were mostly representatives of the current Konoha leadership and the new generation.

First, there was the Hokage, followed by three people including the advisory group, and then prominent figures of the new generation, such as Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze, representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and representatives of the Hyuga clan.

Apart from Danzo, he was probably just ousted from power and was still angry.

Is it really necessary to gather so many people for a mere Chunin Exam?

Uchiha Muneki felt something was off. While the Chunin Exams were important, they weren't so important that they required the involvement of all the high-ranking officials in Konoha's political circles.

He keenly realized that this Chunin Exam was probably not that simple.

"Now that everyone is here, let's begin."

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly and tapped his pipe on the table: "This Chunin Exam is different from previous ones. Given the current grim situation in the ninja world, I plan to reform the old system and invite Sunagakure and Iwagakure to co-host this year's Chunin Exam. Everyone, please share your thoughts."

The leader's words set the tone for the entire meeting, implying that it was now their turn to come up with solutions.

Sitting at the very end, Uchiha Muneki glanced at Orochimaru, only to find him seemingly lost in thought, appearing completely indifferent.

"Hiruzen, I disagree with your decision."

Koharu Utatane, the Hokage's advisor, was the first to speak up, retorting, "Your idea is too dangerous. What if someone has ulterior motives and plans to use this opportunity to launch a sneak attack on Konoha?"

"That's right, Hiruzen, I agree with Koharu's opinion."

Mitokado Homura followed suit, invoking the Second Hokage: "Don't forget, the Chunin system was established by Tobirama-sensei. Changing the system rashly would be counterproductive!"

Seeing that the two advisors showed no respect whatsoever, even the dignified Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but twitch his face and turn his gaze to Shikaku Nara.

"If I may be so bold, the concerns of the two advisors are indeed not without merit."

Having received instructions, Nara Shikaku knew it was his turn to step in, so he organized his thoughts: "But I believe that the Hokage's decision is clearly more beneficial than harmful."

Before the two advisors could refute him, he continued, "First of all, after the Second Hokage passed away, the major ninja villages only temporarily ceased hostilities. Now the situation is becoming increasingly tense, and we absolutely cannot sit idly by and wait to die. At this time, the Hokage invited the Iwa and Suna ninja villages, partly to form an alliance first, and partly to 'flex our muscles'."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a smirk, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes, but he still didn't interrupt.

"My two advisors, war is never delayed because we are afraid."

Nara Shikaku said in a deep voice, his thoughts clear: "Therefore, we need to prepare in advance. We can't repeat what happened last time. We must unite our allies beforehand and demonstrate our 'strength' so they know that although the Second Hokage has passed away, Konoha is still not an existence they can contend with!"

"this"

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged a glance; they clearly hadn't thought that far ahead and hesitated.

"Ahem, that's right, Shikaku is absolutely right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and said slowly, "That's what I mean, Koharu, En, times have changed."

The true intentions are revealed!

After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally revealed his fangs.

Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's expressions immediately changed.

At the same time, the representative of the Hyuga clan also changed his expression slightly.

Clearly, everyone understood the meaning behind Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.

This is no longer the era of the Second Hokage, but the era of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi!

reject?

impossible!

Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance, both looking helpless.

Now that Hiruzen Sarutobi has gained the upper hand, they have no right to refuse. What can they do if they don't agree?

December 25th, sunny, but feeling gloomy.

My condition worsened, so I had to go to the hospital for IV fluids again. My whole body ached...

(End of this chapter)