Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 350: Shikaku Tries to Shift the Burden to Haneda

"Again?! Kakashi! Can't you at least dye your hair or something?!"

"Hey, aren't you the one who always says not to fear or distance ourselves from the people, Haneda?"

"Yes, I did say that. But do you know what it feels like to be surrounded by crowds asking for autographs and photos? So many people—I deal with them one by one. Won't I drop dead from exhaustion?"

Haneda's complaint was born out of experience.

Ever since the Fire Nation's development had hit its stride, his public image had grown grander by the day.

Let's put it this way—whenever Haneda appeared in a public setting, the vast majority of people would flock to him.

If he decided to dine at a restaurant, the owners would beg for his autograph and take pictures to display on their walls, advertising "The Hokage dined here."

And if word got out that he was eating somewhere? That was it—Haneda wouldn't be able to leave.

Sure, he could always use Flying Thunder God to make a quick exit, but that would only stir more chaos.

Instead, he'd have to stand by the window, wave at the crowd, exchange a few words, and wait for the police force to arrive and clear a path. Then he'd leave under the pretense of "urgent work," only to be greeted later by Shikaku's amused grin.

On the streets, if he was spotted, Haneda's strategy was simple: if the crowd wasn't too overwhelming, he'd slip away. And if someone dared to criticize him? Well, he'd simply claim it was for the sake of maintaining public order.

Kakashi chuckled softly, choosing not to provoke Haneda further.

He knew that after venting, Haneda would quickly move on, letting bygones be bygones.

Sure enough, Haneda noticed Kakashi's silence, walked over to his chair, and sat down.

He glanced at the stack of paperwork piled in the upper-right corner of his desk, frowned slightly, and summoned ten shadow clones. Each clone took a document, forming a line to process the backlog.

Since Kakashi had started taking his ANBU duties more seriously, Haneda found himself returning to the office more often as well.

The workload Shikaku had been tasked with was immense, and even Shikaku couldn't handle everything alone. Haneda had no choice but to take the helm.

Furthermore, many innovative policies required Haneda's direct input. When sent out on missions, some ninja encountered situations only Haneda could resolve.

Half an hour later, the final document was processed.

When Haneda released his shadow clones, the resulting wave of fatigue hit him like a ton of bricks.

For an average ninja, this would mean a much-needed break—perhaps a walk outside or a moment to clear the mind.

But with his partially fused Tenseigan, Haneda's mental strength and willpower far surpassed ordinary limits.

For him, it was nothing more than a yawn.

Just as he stretched lazily, Shikaku entered, arms laden with yet another stack of paperwork.

Haneda's composure faltered.

"Shikaku, you seem pretty busy today," Haneda said with a smile, trying to shift the burden back to him. "I just finished my share, so now it's your turn to shine!"

Shikaku, ever the seasoned tactician, saw through Haneda's ploy instantly. Unfazed, he placed the new stack on Haneda's desk and sighed theatrically.

"Pain is planning a visit to Konoha in a few days to discuss the student exchange program. And, as you know, all matters related to Pain fall under your jurisdiction, Hokage-sama."

Haneda's eyebrow twitched.

It was true he had taken a personal interest in matters concerning Pain, but wasn't Shikaku involved in every single case last year?

Clearly, Shikaku was trying to shift all responsibility back to Haneda and play the role of a hands-off advisor.

And unfortunately, Haneda had made the mistake of boasting to Nagato that he'd personally oversee anything related to Pain—a casual remark Shikaku had conveniently chosen to take literally.

Seeing Haneda's reluctant silence, Shikaku knew his gamble had paid off. Feigning innocence, he added, "Hokage-sama, there'll be more documents delivered soon. I'm counting on you to keep up the good work!"

"Shikaku!!!" Haneda slammed his fist on the desk, veins popping.

"Yes, Hokage-sama?" Shikaku replied, blinking innocently.

"Nothing," Haneda growled through gritted teeth. "Just remember, you're a Konoha elder!"

"And you're the Hokage," Shikaku countered smoothly.

"You'll regret this, Elder Shikaku!"

Bam!

The door clicked shut as Shikaku left, his retreating footsteps light and carefree.

Haneda sat fuming, glaring at the closed door.

He had really let Shikaku shift the burden.

"Damn it, Kakashi! Do you see what Shikaku's doing?!"

"What's there to see?" Kakashi said, smirking as he flipped through his book. "He's just giving the workload back to its rightful owner."

"But he can't shove it all on me!"

Haneda winced the moment the words left his mouth, realizing how hypocritical they sounded.

Clearing his throat, he quickly added, "What I mean is, we're all here for Konoha and the Fire Nation. If you're in a position of responsibility, you should do what's within your capabilities."

"Shikaku is respected and experienced. Shouldn't he contribute more?"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he gestured toward the other empty chairs in the office.

Haneda followed his gaze and realized, to his irritation, that the office was practically deserted.

Asuma? He was away negotiating alliances in the Land of Rain—a task Haneda had assigned personally.

Tsunade and Jiraiya? Neither had been seen in days.

Just then, Shikaku reentered the office. But instead of bringing more work, he slumped into a chair with a heavy sigh.

"What's with the long face?" Haneda asked, curious.

Shikaku didn't respond, staring blankly ahead.

Haneda smirked knowingly. He understood Shikaku's personality all too well.

A true henpecked husband.

"Don't tell me you got kicked out of the house," Haneda teased, leaning forward with a grin.

Shikaku slammed his hand on the desk in mock indignation. "A real man isn't afraid of his wife! I just wanted to help you with your paperwork!"

"Great," Haneda said, effortlessly pulling out the stack of Pain-related documents for himself and pushing the rest toward Shikaku. "In that case, these are all yours!"

Back home, Shikaku's wife had likely been appeased with extravagant gifts—luxury bags, expensive cosmetics, you name it.

As for Shikaku? He wasn't going anywhere until this work was done.

After all, when it came to shogi, no one in Konoha could best him—except perhaps his son, Shikamaru, who was still in school.

Haneda turned his attention back to the documents concerning Pain and the student exchange program.

One name caught his eye: Tobi.

He frowned, deep in thought.

…

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