And if I know the old fart even a little, after his forced retirement and the transfer of the hospital management in the hands of a clerk, he will do it with great pleasure and will be silent as a fish afterwards, although you still have to pay the money. But it's worth it, because iryonins of the first degree are not on the road even for clans, and this is not only a huge political dividend for the Nara clan, but also respect for me personally. Therefore, only Shenesu-ji-san will know about this.
- Ryo-sama, but how am I supposed to stay home? - Akiko's voice snapped me out of my reverie, clearly hinting that she was going to return to duty soon.
I printed out another scroll, also prepared in advance, and placed it on the couch next to the girl.
- Money," I explained in response to her questioning look, "I'm not going to give up my own plans just because of a few hundred thousand ryo, so you're on my payroll now.
It's a small price to pay for the end result, even if you have to put in a lot of effort and money. Thread by thread, and now I have my own web of ties and obligations braiding the village.
***
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat relaxed in his chair and watched the sunset through the window. It was nearing the end of the workday, when he usually finished his business and sorted the papers for tomorrow in order of importance, but not this time.
All matters were put aside, even the crystal ball and his favorite pipe, which had served for years to calm his frayed nerves, were forgotten. Hiruzen had sent the guards outside the tower and activated the barrier built in the construction of the office, which completely eliminated not only the possibility of eavesdropping, but also the possibility of peeking at the people inside.
The old shinobi could sense when he was being watched, but a little caution was never a bad thing - he'd learned that the hard way in his long life, which was why he still smoked the sky, unlike many of his peers, no matter what village they came from.
And the upcoming conversation promised to be not only unpleasant for both participants, but also not assuming the presence of outsiders - too sensitive topics will be raised. And Hiruzen had no doubt that regardless of the final result that would be reached with his former teammate, there would be no one satisfied. So the Hokage simply rested and prepared for Danzo's arrival.
The sound of knocking and then the sound of the door opening and closing did not break this contemplative mood. Despite the absence of the sound of footsteps, Hiruzen could feel his visitor, but he didn't even deign to turn his chair toward him.
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