- Jiraiya-kun left the village immediately after the end of the second stage with his personal apprentice to introduce him to the toads," Hiruzen explained to his companions.
- Dumping the other one, who had also made it to the third stage, on one of the shinobi he knew, which obviously wouldn't make him any better in the eyes of the others," the elder said irritably, "while Nara had arranged for the losing student to practice in a hospital and was training the others personally!
- When the clans renew their efforts to remove you from office, which they will, judging by the last meeting, we'll have to rely solely on Orochimaru-kun," Homura shook his head, folding his arms across his chest and looking at his longtime friend and comrade-in-arms with a disgruntled look, "while our rivals already have Sakumo Hatake, who has an excellent reputation, and Ryo Nara, who is gaining weight in the political arena.
- The Uchiha, who dream of putting their own man in the Hokage position," Utatane reminded the audience, "who's to say they won't decide to bet on Nara, so we need to keep the situation low-key and focus on promoting Orochimaru-kun as the most likely successor.
- I haven't been removed from my post yet," Sarutobi grumbled, filling his favorite pipe and lighting it, but he didn't pursue the subject further. "I don't agree with Orochimaru-kun's candidacy, he has too much influence over Danzo and instead of succession, we risk a change of power, especially if we disagree with him.
- Maybe Tsunade? - The elder suggested hesitantly.
- There's no faith in that girl," Koharu said firmly, "especially since she has yet to be found and taken away from drinking and gambling, something the Clansmen have failed to do despite several attempts.
- But she has a reputation as an excellent fighter and iryonin, as well as the prestige and support of the founding clan, and a tense relationship with the head of Senju," Homura argued reasonably, "and the chances that she will listen to Sensei's wishes are much higher.
- I'll take care of the receiver issue myself if I have to," the Third Hokage said, taking the receiver out of his mouth. "Now we need to start a rumor with our point of view and point out the culprits to the people, reducing the negative reaction to me.
- I'll do it," Utatane nodded confidently, "you can blame it on the greedy chunin and the Hyuga who overlooked the actions of his subordinates.
- It's not good with the head," the Elder grinned, his glasses glinting, "now he's going to try to put even more obstacles in our way.
- I've got almost all the elders in my fist," the Hokage said, taking a drag from his pipe and releasing a puff of smoke, "and after the current council, Hozu-san may well be replaced by his son and given an honorable retirement.
- Yes, old man Hishi screwed things up by withholding information about Nara's first degree iryonin exam," Homura sighed, folding his hands on his stomach and leaning back on the sofa, "and there's no point in complaining about it, since he's been dismissed from the hospital and the results will be examined privately.
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