- Men, I can't rely on you for anything," the kunoichi sighed, snickering derisively, "I'll take care of it myself.
- Fine, you'll tell me about the result," the shinobi was visibly happy to be relieved of responsibility, closing the topic and returning to the reason for the meeting, "as for Anko-chan, as soon as the Mitarashi move in, make an individual lesson plan for her and if possible, do at least one lesson with Katsumi.
- Don't teach the scholars," the elders snorted almost in sync, "We'll do our best and keep a close eye on both of them.
- Then, I won't keep you any longer," Shenesu nodded to them.
Iiro and Narisa bowed slightly and hurried away - as on any day, they had a lot of things to do and needed to get everything planned.
***
The snake sannin scheduled a new meeting at his laboratory, official, of course, for "political reasons", as he informed the sent clone that he had to arrange it and give Orochimaru a small list of selected techniques to prepare.
I myself had long ago written a scroll of the three requested ninjutsu and simply brought it with me when I went to the jonin's work fiefdom for a visit at the appointed time.
It was a small two-story building on the outskirts of the village, almost against the wall, not far from the gate leading to the Forest of Death, from where Orochimaru had to get his test subjects for experiments.
At least, that's what the village thinks, but the clan leaders know that the real chakra-using test subjects are delivered to the scientist from the prison cells, and they don't mind, given the contingent of people who end up there.
They are either spies and traitors, or local shinobi who have committed a serious crime - the Uchiha don't beat around the bush, but work very effectively at catching people who disgrace the most peaceful and safe village in the world.
Despite chakra and superpowers, shinobi are still human beings, with all the possible conflicts within the society, multiplied by not the healthiest psyche. As it is not hard to guess, the profession has its imprint, and dead bodies in the disputes between two assassins are not rare, even if they are allies or even friends.
The door to the building was open, and after a bit of confusion, I stepped inside, into the gloom after the bright sunny day outside. A small application of chakra to my eyes made it quicker to adapt to the low light and look around.
The snake sannin hadn't made the first floor a work area, instead opting to leave a short hallway and a living room with a couple couches, a table, and a lone chair obviously meant for the master.
Two doors led to other rooms, and in the corner farthest from me was a double spiral staircase leading to the second floor and the basement.
The room looked empty and uninhabited, and I knew that the Hokage's smartest student preferred to sleep in his labs rather than in his tiny apartment in a three-story building for lonely shinobi. It would seem that a man with his income should have bought a house a long time ago, as Jiraiya had done, even before he started earning money from his books.
- Orochimaru-san," I called loudly to make my presence known, not going down the stairs where his chakra was clearly visible.
A moment later, a smaller source appeared beside him and began to rise up, the snake sannin ascending into the living room, or rather his kage bunshin, judging by the lack of elemental chakra coloring.
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