- Sarutobi has too much influence - he has the majority of Anbu, half of the jonin council, the elders and Danzo and his personal army, not counting the clan itself and the two small clans under their patronage, Aburame and Inuzuka also support the Hokage, though the latter could be swayed to our side by Ryo's friendship with the heiress," Nara wrinkled his nose, The Hyugas are as neutral as ever, but the elders are in Hiruzen's hands, the founders are against him but will never unite, so they're neutral at best, the other small clans can be ignored, and our alliance won't be able to bring down the old baboon, even with Sakumo's support as the most likely candidate. We'll have to see how things play out after Ryo's wedding and the alliance with Senju, but right now it's best not to make a move.
Both clan heads froze, thinking over the information the alliance's think tank had given them.
- So we wait," the fat man concluded, "and prepare.
- We wait and prepare, if not to remove, then at least to move this bunch of old men from the seat of power," Shenesu nodded, "and we do our best to keep the number of candidates for Hokage.
The thought that Ryo was also on that short list of candidates remained unspoken.
- Speaking of Ryo, you haven't started to tell him about all the clan's affairs yet, have you? - Inoda asked his friend interestedly.
In addition to the small profitable businesses, the herds of deer in the forest surrounding Konoha, and the supply of medicines, the shadow clan also maintained a serious network of informants, realizing the importance of timely information.
- As soon as he turns eighteen, but not before," Nara shook his head, "I'll be done with Shikaku, and I can take some of the load off him.
- Ryo's always been a reasonable guy, so I don't see why you're dragging your feet. - Cheji shrugged.
- If there's even the slightest chance that Shikaku will do that," Shenesu explained to his friends with a sigh, "and it's best not to tempt him too soon.
- Nara's laziness is the genkai clan's genkai kekkei, inherited along with the brains," snorted the grinning brainiac.
- Yeah, yeah, make fun of poor me," the sloth replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes, "let's finish eating and end this party, or we'll have to listen to Setsura yelling again.
- So what are you waiting for? - Akamichi grumbled with his mouth full, sweeping everything within arm's reach off the plates. - Come on!
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