Uchiha Jin murmured to himself.
Yes.
His performance just now was ninety percent genuine, but there was that one percent of fakery.
He genuinely admired Namikaze Minato and liked his personality. If possible, he wouldn't mind changing his fate.
But, essentially...
His ninety percent genuine intention was to mask that one percent of fakery!
Uchiha Jin understood human nature!
If he had revealed even a hint of his objective, whether it was to win over Namikaze Minato or something else...
Then, out of human nature, Namikaze Minato would become wary.
And to completely change someone's worldview, one naturally cannot allow them to become wary.
Otherwise, it would be a waste of effort!
So.
Under the guise of doing what was best for Namikaze Minato, he constantly urged him to be careful.
This act sought no reward.
Its purpose was to lower his guard and hostility.
Because his emotions were genuine, Namikaze Minato naturally couldn't detect anything amiss.
Then, by presenting facts and reasoning, he would gradually shatter his worldview.
Using 'for your own good' as an excuse, he would subtly achieve his objectives without the other person realizing it.
Just as he said:
What's free is the most expensive!
It seemed like he achieved nothing this time, but as long as he could change Namikaze Minato's worldview, the benefits he would gain would be enormous.
Namikaze Minato, the Yellow Flash.
The future reincarnation of Asura, Naruto Uzumaki.
And Konoha's Sannin, Jiraiya, along with Mount Myōboku behind him.
Such immense power, if his objective could be achieved, would all be neutralized.
Even if this power wouldn't help him, as long as it didn't help Sarutobi Hiruzen, that would be enough... Half an hour later.
Uchiha Jin, back home, saw Aburame Shibi and Shino Ryoma standing outside the gate of his small courtyard.
"Jin-kun."
"Clan Head Shibi, there's no need to be so polite. Let's talk inside."
After a brief greeting, Uchiha Jin pushed the gate open and entered.
Aburame Shibi and Shino Ryoma naturally followed him, making their way to the pavilion in the courtyard.
After inviting them to sit down, Uchiha Jin went to prepare tea.
Approximately ten minutes later.
Uchiha Jin returned, served them each a cup of tea, and then said with a smile,
"This is Lord Hokage's fine tea."
"Lord Hokage said there's only one such tea tree, called 'Jade Spindletop,' in the Land of Fire, and only the Daimyō of the Land of Fire is privileged to enjoy it."
"You two are fortunate; please don't be shy with me!"
Shino Ryoma looked bewildered.
In fact, not just him.
Even Aburame Shibi, who was drinking the tea for the second time, wore a look of utter awkwardness.
However.
Recalling the real reason for his visit, he took a sip of tea and then directly stated his purpose.
"Jin-kun."
"I've already discussed the matter with Ryoma. When you head to the front lines this time, I hope you can take Ryoma with you."
"Because I can imagine that as soon as you leave the village, the Hokage's side will definitely make a move."
"Considering your presence, they might not act against the Uchiha immediately!"
"But against a mid-tier Ninja Clan like the Aburame, Sarutobi Hiruzen will certainly act."
"After all, he needs to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys!"
Chapter 138: The Aburame Clan's Concerns, A Reassuring Word
Aburame Shibi was concise.
This straightforward way of speaking and acting seemed to be ingrained in their bones.
It was still true now.
They had just sat down, without even basic pleasantries, and Aburame Shibi immediately expressed his intentions.
In short!
He was worried that this time, the Aburame Clan wouldn't be able to withstand it.
Thinking about it, it was quite normal!
Among all of Konoha, the Aburame were the first to form an alliance with the Uchiha.
If not target them, then who?
Previously, with Uchiha Jin in Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen was intimidated by his methods.
So, without absolute certainty, he really didn't dare to act rashly.
But now, things were different.
Since Uchiha Jin was leaving the village, the Hokage faction naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.
An Uchiha without Jin, to the village elders, was like a tiger without its claws.
There was no reason to fear it!
Let alone a mere small Ninja Clan backed by the Uchiha.
Aburame Shibi, saying he wasn't afraid would be a lie.
The Aburame were just a mid-tier Ninja Clan, quite ordinary in Konoha.
He didn't believe they could withstand the village's wrath.
It was imaginable that...
To prevent other Ninja Clans from pledging allegiance to the Uchiha, Konoha would definitely use the 'kill a chicken to scare the monkeys' tactic this time.
Using the annihilation of the Aburame Clan to thoroughly deter other Ninja Clans!
And, incidentally...
To significantly undermine the Uchiha's prestige.
Therefore.
There was no other way!
Others might die, but Shino Ryoma was different.
As the most talented individual among the younger generation in the clan, he carried the future and hopes of the Aburame Clan.
He could not die!
This was the real reason for Aburame Shibi's visit.
Meanwhile, on the other side...
Uchiha Jin's brows furrowed slightly.
How could he not have considered what Aburame Shibi had considered?
It was just that, for a moment...
He genuinely had no good solution!
There was nothing he could do.
Because active defense always had only a few tricks.