Shikaku Nara was nursing a growing headache.
Kabuto had officially launched his tactic of sowing discord—a dangerous psychological warfare maneuver. By using White Zetsu clones to absorb a ninja's chakra and perfectly mimic their appearance and chakra signature, he allowed them to infiltrate the Allied Shinobi Forces and strike from within. The terrifying part? These imposters couldn't be detected by ordinary sensory ninjas, which meant no one could tell friend from foe.
As a result, distrust began to fester throughout the ranks. Entire platoons halted their advances. Squads refused to move. The battlefield, once alive with momentum, became stagnant.
Faced with the crisis, Shikaku had no choice but to issue an emergency command:
"All units, form circular formations and stand by. Do not move without command. If anyone breaks the circle or behaves suspiciously, the rest are to subdue them immediately."
At Allied Shinobi Forces Headquarters, tension filled the air.
"What now, Shikaku?" the Fourth Raikage barked impatiently.
Shikaku exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "I'm thinking. This situation is a nightmare. White Zetsu can flawlessly copy our ninja, and our standard detection methods are useless."
As the mood darkened, Yamanaka Inoichi's brow furrowed.
"Someone's approaching rapidly!"
The Raikage tensed. "Enemy?!"
Inoichi shook his head, surprised. "No... it's Naruto!"
Shikaku's eyes widened. "Let him in immediately. Do not intercept!"
After meeting with Shikamaru, Naruto had remembered that in his past life, Shikaku had died in the Ten Tails' bombardment, along with Inoichi. Their exact location had been unknown to him before.
But this time, things were different.
Sage Mode active, Shadow Clone Naruto leapt high into the air, landing directly on top of the HQ building.
BOOM!
With a solid punch, he shattered the glass ceiling and descended into the command center.
Raikage Ai instantly rose to his feet, yelling, "Why not use the door like a normal person?! Breaking the ceiling of HQ?!"
Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry."
Mabui covered her mouth and giggled. Internally, she mused, "Lord Raikage, now you know what it feels like. All the tables and windows you've broken over the years... it adds up!"
Naruto looked around the HQ. "So this is the command center... that giant water globe must be a sensory water sphere, huh?"
Shikaku approached. "You're not here to sightsee, Naruto."
Naruto turned, serious. "Of course not. I'm here for three reasons:
First, to tell you I have a way to identify the infiltrating White Zetsu clones. Don't worry—you'll get confirmation soon.
Second, I'm a Shadow Clone, and I'll remain here to act as your adviser and provide tactical insight when needed.
Third, I'm here to protect you."
Shikaku narrowed his eyes. Each point Naruto made was surprising, but he understood the gravity of the situation.
Raikage snorted. "Naruto, if you came here in your original body, I wouldn't say anything. But a clone? To protect us? Are you underestimating me?!"
Naruto spread his hands. "Lord Raikage, I don't mean to underestimate you. You're incredibly strong. But can you guarantee that you'll stay here the entire time?"
Ai frowned. "What do you mean?"
"When you're needed on the battlefield, you'll go. This place—the HQ, the tactical brain of the entire operation—is a prime target for enemy attack. If something like the Ten Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb hits this location... that's where I come in."
With that, Naruto vanished for a moment—the shimmer of Flying Thunder God Technique visible.
Whoosh!
Everyone present looked down to see a special seal—the "Sword of Ninja Love" and the Flying Thunder God mark—on their bodies. Naruto had just marked them all.
Shikaku looked at his arm and whispered, "Minato's formula seal?"
In that moment, Shikaku saw the resemblance to the Fourth Hokage—blond hair, unwavering determination. He smiled faintly, understanding.
Raikage clicked his tongue. "Tch. Like father, like son. How irritating."
With the markings complete, Naruto's Sage Mode faded as his chakra was drained significantly. Still, the Shadow Clone had enough Nine Tails Chakra left to mass-teleport everyone if needed.
Shikaku asked, "You said you can identify the White Zetsu imposters. How?"
Naruto replied, "After activating Nine Tails Chakra Mode, I can sense more than just chakra. I can sense emotions like hatred and malice. Even if they mimic a ninja's chakra, they can't fake their intent. I can sniff them out."
Shikaku's eyes lit up.
"Haiichi, inform all squads to hold position. Reinforcements are on the way."
Inoichi nodded and quickly relayed the message via telepathy.
Naruto smiled at Shikaku. "You and Shikamaru... truly born strategists. Hokage needs smart people like you around."
After giving the orders, Shikaku turned to Naruto, eyes thoughtful.
"Naruto... may I ask something? Just answer honestly. Did you foresee this war? Including everything that has happened so far? It feels like you've been guiding the flow... controlling the tempo... influencing the direction."
Everyone present—Mabui, Raikage, Inoichi—froze and looked at Naruto, stunned.
How could he say such a thing?
Wasn't it Madara and the Eye of the Moon Plan that started the war? Wasn't this all because of the Akatsuki?
Naruto smiled gently.
"As expected of Shikamaru's dad. You see the patterns others miss. Yes. I did anticipate this war.
Why else would I rip out Danzo's Sharingan, slice off his arms, and flee the village?
This war is inevitable. The ninja world needs it. Only through war can the shinobi world understand what peace truly means.
Only by feeling pain... can people respect peace. Only through loss can they cherish unity.
I knew of the Eye of the Moon Plan. It's a dream—a lie. Stopping it early was one of my goals.
But even more importantly... I wanted this war to unite the nations. After it ends, the ninja world will be ready for a new order. A new peace."
Silence.
No one spoke.
Not because they disbelieved him, but because they were beginning to understand.
Shikaku narrowed his eyes.
"So... your true purpose is to use this war to shift the mindset of the people. To create a new ninja world where cooperation is possible. Only then can you achieve what you truly aim for."
Naruto smiled, eyes full of conviction.
"Exactly. Uncle Shikaku, your wisdom truly runs deep."
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