Chapter 250: Break

When this impressive clash ended, Hiruzen entered the arena and calmly announced:

“The battles continue, there is no need to panic. The injured will be helped. Shikamaru come with me.

In response, the guy smiled slightly, but did not argue. Don't be very smart to argue with an old man in public. In addition, it is unlikely that he will become particularly worried about the injury of the Sand-nin. After all, this is the world. Do not think that a simple skirmish will start a war or something like that. Especially when you consider that Sand was preparing to attack anyway. Now perhaps some will want it even more. In any case, it no longer made sense for him to stay - all the fun ended with Lee's battle.

Smiling reassuringly at Temari, Shikamaru followed the Hokage.

"Damn, and what should I do ..." - the girl could only sigh. She didn't worry too much about Gaara, if only a little. To some extent, it made her slightly angry at Shikamaru. Now she did not know what to do, especially when the attack began...

"That guy is awfully strong," Kankurō muttered under his breath.

"I can't believe he's still a genin... Gaara with one punch." It's something...

While Shikamaru was away, the battle began with Amero, the third member of Ino and Chōji's team. In this fight, the guy was crushingly lost. Nobody was surprised by this. Already wounded, Dosu lost his strongest weapon, but even so he was able to win almost without problems. That's how it all ended... Much to the surprise of many, the remaining Chōji passed without a fight, as no opponents were found for him. Akimichi didn't seem to care, he was just munching on chips.

So this time the fights took unexpected results. Those who, it would seem, should not win, have won! The fight between Sakura and Ino was considered a draw, and after that the fight between Gaara and Lee. Thus, only eight people reached the final. It's time for a month break. A month that will change a lot...

*

In the spacious office, Shikamaru and Hiruzen once again silently looked at each other. The old man smoked his pipe while the boy sipped his wine. Finally, the Hokage asked, exhaling thick smoke:

- So now what?

- What are you talking about?

About Orochimaru. Hiruzen smirked, "What do you think of that?"

Shikamaru took a couple of sips from his gourd and shrugged nonchalantly.

Who knows, I don't really care. When the Kazekage arrives, we'll see. Although, here's what I'm curious about, old man...

Hiruzen asked:

- Mm?

“Since when did the Daimyo become such a big deal, able to decide the internal affairs of the village?” Since when did his vote count towards the Chūnin?

- You don't like it? The Hokage smiled, "There's nothing wrong with that, we're two sides of the same coin." Without the Daimyo, Konoha would have to...

— Daimyo? Shikamaru interrupted with a chuckle, "The daimyō must do what he is told." Since when did you start solving problems from this position? He is no more than a subordinate obliged to extract resources for us. In this regard, I think he should act strictly according to our instructions and our people should monitor the situation throughout the country. We also have to regulate the code of laws. In addition, I believe that the situation will not develop if we continue like this. We breed shinobi, but otherwise... With the resources of an entire country, we only have this? Looking around, Shikamaru shook his head with a sigh.

“War for other lands when there is thick uncultivated land everywhere? Impressive.

Hiruzen frowned at the student, while he stood up and nodded his shoulders:

— Well, I'm not interested in politics... Our sovereignty is too strange, but it's not my problem yet. I'll go. If Orochimaru shows up, I'll intervene, otherwise... I need to finish my pyramid and train my apprentice. Good luck sensei. Saying this, Shikamaru immediately disappeared, leaving the Third alone with his thoughts.

The old man sat for a while longer, and after a slight grin sighed, took a couple of puffs and muttered:

- Times are changing ... We'll see.

*

One week later.

The fifth floor of the Adamantine Pyramid was finally completed. Shikamaru was busy preparing the Fuin barriers and separating the rooms. Since ten floors were planned, already the third floor was impressive in its size. Now any inhabitant of Konoha could contemplate a huge dark building at the height of the cliff. With all this, this is only the beginning of a great masterpiece! During this time, Shikamaru gradually figured out the equipment of the Root and completely covered many floors with metal, thus bricking everything up. Everything important has long been moved to the lower floors. It should be borne in mind that the first level, in fact, could accommodate itself as much as two. Shikamaru sealed many halls, and no one except him even suspected the secrets hidden there. Nobody even had a solid plan of the pyramid. Everyone knew the rest of the moves, but no one knew about the hidden places. The same applied to the second floor, and then the rest.

Basically, Shikamaru did not change anything, he left the living areas for his people on the lower level. The second floor was the research area. However, many floors too. He didn't really know what to build in them himself, so he just left it for later. He was most interested in the highest level, where he could set up a main structure to completely control all of Konoha and the area for miles around. Basically, Shikamaru wanted to create a point of absolute observation, control, and manipulation. In the right hands, it would become an antenna capable of even casting a huge genjutsu capable of completely knocking people out. The plans naturally included a method of protection, for the sake of which everything was created. If everything is calculated correctly, then the Pyramid, in fact, can become a defense even against techniques like the Eternal Tsukuyomi. One has only to realize the scale!