Nara Clan Residence.
Ren followed Hiruzen to the Nara clan's doorstep, where they were just in time to run into Yoshino Nara, who was about to head out.
"Lord Hokage! What a surprise! Please, come in!"
Hiruzen nodded casually. "Is Shikaku home?"
"Yes, he is."
They entered together, with Ren quietly following Hiruzen like a watchful assistant. Shikaku appeared shortly, having heard that the Hokage himself had come to visit.
"No need to be so tense, Shikaku. I just came by to visit, have some tea, and maybe a game of shogi," Hiruzen said, smiling.
He then gestured toward Ren. "This is Ren Kurozumi."
Shikaku nodded in acknowledgment. "Nice to meet you, Ren."
Nara Shikaku was a middle-aged man with a stern demeanor, his face marked by two scars that showed the weight of his experiences. As head of the Nara clan and the Jounin Commander, he knew and recognized nearly every registered Jounin in Konoha. But Ren's presence seemed to carry an implication, one Shikaku couldn't ignore.
The three made their way into the sitting room.
"Ren has great potential," Hiruzen remarked. "He's among the best of his age."
Shikaku observed Ren thoughtfully, recalling his own memories of the young shinobi's performance during the Third Shinobi War—a reminder of another prodigy, Uchiha Shisui.
"Yes, I've heard of him. It's rare for someone so young to be promoted to Jounin," Shikaku replied.
Hiruzen settled on the main seat, with Shikaku seated across as they set up the shogi board between them. Yoshino quickly brought tea for everyone.
"Don't go easy on me," Hiruzen teased.
"Of course not, Lord Hokage. You're quite the shogi player yourself; it's anyone's game," Shikaku chuckled, matching Hiruzen's opening move.
The two lined up their pieces, and Ren watched silently, his gaze steady as he observed the unfolding game.
"I hear Asuma has been promoted to vice-captain of the police force," Shikaku commented, moving one of his pieces.
"Ah, yes, Fugaku suggested it," Hiruzen replied. "The police force has always been managed by the Uchiha, and while Fugaku is open to relinquishing some control, it also depends on his clan's support."
Shikaku paused, deliberating his next move.
"It's surprising to see you placing so much trust in the Uchiha."
"They are, after all, part of the village," Hiruzen replied.
"But I wonder if the Uchiha themselves will see it that way," Shikaku remarked.
"Whether they do or not is beside the point. As long as the village remains peaceful, nothing else matters."
The room grew silent, punctuated only by the steady movement of shogi pieces across the board. Observing the match, Ren quickly noticed that Hiruzen was on the defensive, requiring longer pauses between moves.
"This isn't looking good…" Hiruzen mumbled as he studied the board, his brow furrowed.
"Any suggestions?" he asked, turning to Ren.
Ren took a pawn from outside the board and placed it strategically.
Shikaku raised an eyebrow. "You play shogi as well?"
"A bit."
"Not many young people enjoy shogi these days," Shikaku remarked, smiling as he made his next move.
Ren continued playing, his gaze focused on the board. The game progressed quickly, with Shikaku's smile fading as Ren skillfully turned the tide.
"Impressive," Shikaku acknowledged.
"I had a better perspective from the outside," Ren replied modestly.
Hiruzen chuckled. "Didn't I tell you? Ren has quite the talent."
Taking over the board once more, Hiruzen resumed his match against Shikaku. Shikaku took a closer look at Ren.
Quiet, composed, and observant.
These traits were rare in someone so young.
"It's been a while since I played shogi with Asuma," Hiruzen commented.
"Asuma's style is all offense and no defense, often trapping himself," Shikaku noted with a small smile.
"I've been too focused on defense, and look where that got me," Hiruzen added, laughing. "As you age, you lose that aggressive edge. Sometimes, you need young people to break you out of a corner."
Shikaku glanced briefly at Ren before responding, "Lord Hokage, you're still in your prime."
Hiruzen shook his head with a gentle smile. "Not quite. Before long, I'll be even more out of touch. The village needs fresh leadership, and I hope to serve as the final nourishment that allows Konoha to grow and flourish anew."
"Your dedication to the village is truly admirable," Shikaku said, sighing.
Hiruzen took a sip of his tea, his expression thoughtful. "These days, I'm worried about who will succeed me."
"Had Minato survived, there would have been no issue."
A solemn silence followed as Shikaku froze mid-move, retracting his hand and setting his piece back down.
After a moment, he asked, "What about Jiraiya-sama?"
"He wouldn't agree. He's not one to let himself be chained to an office."
"And Lady Tsunade?"
A complex expression crossed Hiruzen's face.
"She would do a fine job… but I doubt she would be willing."
Shikaku understood. "In that case, perhaps someone younger?"
"You mentioned Asuma… but he still has some maturing to do before he's ready for any major responsibilities."
"He'll grow in time," Shikaku reassured.
"How much time can we afford?" Hiruzen asked, shaking his head.
"Then there's Kakashi," he continued. "Ever since the war, he's been haunted by the deaths of his teammates. Minato and I have tried to help him recover, but without success."
He sighed deeply, thinking of the dwindling candidates for the position—some unwilling, others unprepared.
"After the war, many supported Fugaku's candidacy as Fourth Hokage," Shikaku said casually.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "And what do you think of that?"
"It's not up to me; it depends on your decision and the villagers' acceptance."
"If Fugaku were to become Hokage, what would the Hyuga think?" Hiruzen countered. "Or the Nara? Don't you think you have just as much of a claim to the title, Shikaku?"
"We Nara aren't meant to lead as Hokage," Shikaku replied without hesitation.
"I know there's been some discontent with how I've handled the Uchiha situation," Hiruzen acknowledged.
"We wouldn't dare criticize, Lord Hokage."
"I'm willing to allow the Uchiha their peace, but that's the limit of my leniency," Hiruzen assured him.
"We'll stand by whatever decision you make," Shikaku replied with a small smile, placing his next piece.
"Make that move, and I'll declare check!" Hiruzen said suddenly, his eyes lighting up as he made a swift move across the board.
Shikaku clapped his hands, laughing. "An excellent move, Lord Hokage. It seems you've improved."
Hiruzen chuckled, drinking his tea. "It's not that I'm any better—you were just holding back. Even a novice could have won against you today."
"Perhaps I wasn't careful enough," Shikaku admitted, smiling.
"Let's go for another round."
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