- Katsumi is no less talented, she just lacks motivation," Shenesu grinned and smiled broadly, "and if the trend continues, the Nara will be a truly formidable force for the first time in the next fifteen to twenty years and I'll be confident about future generations.
The three veterans understood the value of talented children, because even one genius could strengthen the clan's position as the leader of the Triple Alliance, increase its importance in the political arena of Konoha, and personally contribute to the clan's security, the survival rate of its members, and simply the general well-being of the clan with just the contributions to the treasury from seal sales. And if there are several such geniuses...
- We're lucky that Ryo has the talent to teach," Narisa shook his head, "but only Hiruzen Sarutobi has been able to do that, and Jiraiya has been less successful.
- Who could have known that the decision to allow Saya-chan to marry that Uzumaki lover would turn out to be such a good decision? - The older shinobi grinned wryly at Shenesu.
The head of Nara only rolled his eyes, but shrewdly did not respond to the stiletto - unlike his father, he was completely against such a union, because Ryuta Uzumaki had managed to walk around Konoha and became famous for his windy temper and ability to change mistresses almost every day.
Hardly the perfect match for the clan's favorite younger sister and spare heiress, despite the obvious benefits of the main family's bloodline enhancement.
Ryo had adopted some of his father's traits, but was surprisingly thorough and consistent in his choice of partners, following the principle of "all in the clan" instead of throwing his seed around like most shinobi of clans without a strong kekkei genkai like dojutsu do.
- Shenesu-kun, did you bring up the issue of Ryo visiting a few of our widows? - The elderly kunoichi asked, casting an irritated glance at her colleague.
She had raised the topic with the clan head more than once, both as an elder quite concerned about the dwindling numbers of clan members due to both natural attrition and casualties from fighting, whether it be missions or world wars.
Alas, the Nara shinobi did not seek to restore their numbers naturally, rarely having more than two children, or even just one, like Shenesu and his sister, so the Council of Elders had to take care of the matter.
The clan could afford to spend more than that now, despite the general reduction in the number of mission members, and if in this case the children inherited at least half or a quarter of their father's talents, that would be just fine.
If someone on the council didn't keep their finger on the pulse of the population and the Nara risked ending up at the level of Hatake or Shimura, who didn't have more than a couple dozen members, in a generation or two.
- Of course I mentioned it, but I didn't get a direct answer, and I'm not likely to get one until Saya and Linley give the okay," Shenesu said, "but you're on your own, and my life is too precious to take the risk of trying to get my nephew's permission to go off on a wild goose chase.
And as if to spite me, my wife took her sister's side in this matter, reacting accordingly and unwilling to understand the needs of the clan and the need for long-term investment in human resources.
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