Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly calculated in his mind.
Currently, his supporters included the Sarutobi, Shimura, Mitokado Clan, and Mito Clan, along with the Nara Clan, Yamanaka, and Akimichi, as well as the Aburame and Inuzuka Clans.
Although none of them were top-tier major Ninja Clans, united, they represented a considerably large force.
This was not only due to his last-minute lobbying efforts over the past two days, but more importantly, because of Teacher Tobirama's dying wish and the fact that he had been groomed as the Hokage's successor all along.
Although Senju Mori only had the support of the Senju Clan, the Hyuga Clan, and some smaller Ninja Clans allied with the Senju, he still slightly surpassed Hiruzen in the total number of Jonin.
The thought of directly competing with the behemoth that was the Senju Clan gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a headache.
What gave him an even bigger headache was that the current near-stalemate between the two sides was achieved without considering the Uchiha Clan.
Once the Uchiha entered the fray and sided with either party, their immense power in Konoha Village, second only to the Senju Clan, and their terrifying number of over thirty Jonin, would be enough to completely overturn the situation.
Even if the Uchiha truly remained neutral, he wasn't entirely confident in achieving ultimate victory.
In other words, the Uchiha Clan was precisely the target he had to find a way to win over.
"What a miscalculation. I shouldn't have agreed to let Kagami distract the enemy back then. Despite having the same eyes as Uchiha Madara, he still died at the hands of Kumogakure..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a regret he had never experienced before.
Thinking about it now, as long as it wasn't Kagami who died that day, even if it had been any other person, the current situation wouldn't be so difficult.
To speak a bit coldly, even if Danzo, Homura, and Koharu had all died, the Shimura, Mitokado Clan, and Mito Clan would still support him as always.
But after losing Kagami, he completely lost his influence and intelligence regarding the Uchiha Clan.
The fate of the esteemed Third Hokage position was now to be decided by the attitude of the Uchiha Clan... it was truly incredible.
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but think that if this truth were known by those battle-crazy madmen of the Uchiha Clan, there's no telling how conceited they would become.
But melancholy aside, dissatisfaction aside, he now had to face the cruel reality.
"Let's all discuss this. As things stand, do we still have any room to mend relations with the Uchiha Clan and further attempt to win them over...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi lightly tapped the table, initiating the discussion on this new topic... Another night passed.
By the afternoon of the next day, Senju Mori had arrived before the Nara Clan's compound.
Compared to Hyuga Sogo's rigid solemnity, Nara Shikatsune appeared exceptionally young and amiable; his early thirties combined with a composed demeanor made him seem like Senju Mori's peer at first glance.
And compared to the Hyuga Clan, the Nara Clan undoubtedly had fewer superfluous and strict rules. Nara Shikatsune, with a beaming smile, personally welcomed Senju Mori at the entrance of the compound.
"Long time no see, Mori Jonin. I was truly surprised to suddenly receive your calling card yesterday."
His words and laughter conveyed a sense of warmth, completely unlike the somewhat cool tone of his reply.
Since the other party greeted him with a smile, Senju Mori naturally wouldn't offend him, and likewise smiled, saying:
"Shikatsune Jonin, what are you talking about? We are both Jonin of the Village; we should indeed interact more often."
"Precisely."
Shikatsune's smile deepened, and as he spoke, he didn't forget to step aside and gesture an invitation, "Please come inside for a chat."
"Please."
...After entering the Nara Clan's compound, Nara Shikatsune and Senju Mori walked side by side, chatting and laughing.
Along the way, the fresh scent of medicinal herbs could often be smelled. Shikatsune introduced the newly planted herbs like a proud owner, and Senju Mori responded appropriately from time to time, as if the two were truly long-lost friends.
It wasn't until they reached the central courtyard, where no other Nara Clansmen were in sight, that Nara Shikatsune casually remarked:
"Coincidentally, Torikaze just visited this morning and chatted with me about the future of the Village, saying that once Hiruzen becomes Hokage, he too would become an Advisor to the Village."
"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, Mori, but Torikaze's good fortune truly makes me a bit envious."
Hearing this, Senju Mori couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle:
"Shikatsune, why are you joking? Who doesn't know that the Ino–Shika–Chō Tri-Clan always acts in unison? This Advisor position isn't just for Torikaze Jonin alone; it's clearly for your Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi Clans."
"If you truly can't stay idle at home, why not discuss it with Hiruzen and the others and find a position in the Village's Staff Department? With your intellect and wisdom, I think even being a minister wouldn't be a problem."
A subtle flicker passed through Nara Shikatsune's eyes, but he humbly replied repeatedly:
"I don't have such talent; you're overpraising me, truly overpraising me."
Just then, the two happened to arrive before the single-story wooden building at the center of the compound. Nara Shikatsune stepped forward and pushed open the door, inviting him with enthusiasm:
"My humble abode is simple; I hope you don't mind."
"How could I, how could I..."
...It wasn't until the sun began to set that Nara Shikatsune, still full of enthusiasm, personally walked out of the residence to see him off, accompanying Senju Mori all the way to the compound gate before their meeting finally concluded.
The two shook hands and bid farewell, their etiquette impeccable.
In truth, after truly entering the main residence, although Nara Shikatsune maintained an excellent attitude and impeccable manners, their conversation consisted mostly of meaningless pleasantries.
All the important matters had already been discussed during that seemingly casual stroll through the garden.
Though neither spoke explicitly, both understood each other's intentions.
Nara Shikatsune pointed out that the Ino–Shika–Chō Tri-Clan was a single entity, and Hiruzen Sarutobi had already promised Akimichi Torifu an Advisor position.
Senju Mori, on the other hand, generously stated that as long as you betray Hiruzen Sarutobi and turn to support me, then not to mention an Advisor position, even the head of the Staff Department would be yours.
Nara Shikatsune was clearly tempted by this, but he still harbored three reservations.
Firstly, they were, after all, a respectable Ninja Clan.
This was an election for Konoha's Third Hokage, not an auction; it wasn't truly possible to support whoever offered the highest price. The renowned Nara Clan still had to maintain some integrity and bottom line.
Secondly, it concerned the so-called "Ino–Shika–Chō Tri-Clan unity." Although, due to their Nara Clan's outstanding strategic intellect, they were always regarded as the primary decision-makers and the collective "brain" of the three Clans.
But even the closest alliance was ultimately three families. Before making any major decision, he had to consult with both the Yamanaka and Akimichi Clans.
Mutual respect, mutual understanding.
Compared to things like mere sentiment, this was the true reason their three-Clan alliance had endured unchanged for hundreds of years.
Furthermore, although the position of "Head of the Staff Department" was absolutely not included in the original conditions offered by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But hadn't Senju Mori come?
As long as Senju Mori's conditions were relayed verbatim to Hiruzen Sarutobi and his group, perhaps without them needing to do much at all, new benefits would soon be proactively offered.
After all, we have upheld our integrity and withstood the pressure of the esteemed Senju Clan. Shouldn't you, venerable elder, also offer a slightly more appropriate price for this rare "loyalty"?
Since you aspire to be the leader, you absolutely must not disappoint everyone... In the twilight, Nara Shikatsune watched Senju Mori's receding figure, and a meaningful smile involuntarily curved his lips.
Please don't disappoint me, Hiruzen...
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