- I declare the regular meeting of the three clan heads open," Shenesu muttered as he settled into a comfortable chair at the round table.
Despite the Nara leader's somewhat pretentious statement, the atmosphere in the small room, protected by barriers and seals better than the hokage's office, was more in keeping with a friendly gathering of three buddies than a gathering of not the weakest shinobi and clan heads to discuss serious topics. The presence of alcohol and various appetizers on the table contributed not a little to this.
- A little less serious, Shen," Akamichi snorted, digging into the crispy lamb ribs, "we're here not only to discuss the latest news, but also to take a break from clan and family worries.
- Setsura is always nagging me about our gatherings, so at least we should keep the appearance of a serious meeting so we don't have to lie," Nara said lazily, "how difficult it is!
- Then I propose to drink to our wives, and to our better halves to be less on our nerves and nagging for any reason, - the blond voiced the toast, pouring sake into bowls.
- I support it! - The others instantly echoed.
The shinobi sipped the scalding liquid and worked hard with their jaws, deciding to postpone the conversation until the first hunger was satisfied.
- How's your plan going? - Yamanaka finally broke the silence, picking bits of meat out of his teeth with a pointed wooden stick.
- So far so good, thanks to Ryo, the orphanage managers haven't been obstructive, so getting custody has been a breeze," Nara said. "The kids are excited and eager to learn as much as they can before they go back, so everything's going according to plan.
- Good, because some people are starting to wonder what's going on at Nara's," Inoda grimaced, "It's especially disturbing when those in my clan who shouldn't be concerned.
- You know, I have some of them, especially the elder who used to team up with a certain one-eyed shinobi," the fat man nodded thoughtfully, taking his eyes off his plate for a moment.
- Danzo," Shenesu frowned, "so the Hokage and company are already interested....
- That's a bit fast, especially since the preparations were done in secret and we didn't even notify the elders, let alone the rest of the clan," the blond frowned thoughtfully, rubbing his chin.
- It doesn't matter, the main part of the plan is already in place, so the Hokage can't do anything against the Hokage's proper guardianship, even if the information gets out to the public," Nara said, "but it's a good opportunity for you to take note of any clansmen who show excessive interest and identify any Shimura sympathizers other than the already known ones. I have a feeling that troublesome old man is going to cause trouble.
- As if anyone doubts that! - Cheji snorted. - Have you heard anything new about Ne'er-do-well's commotion?
- Unfortunately, my contacts only found out that Danzo lost a large group in the Hot Springs country, and that other search parties encountered some sniffing nepotists and suffered losses as well," Shenesu shrugged, "The reasons for the commotion are either unknown or very carefully hushed up.
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