- Ahem, we just had a heart-to-heart a few months ago," Hoshi coughed embarrassedly, averting her gaze, 'explained the 'party policy' so to speak.
I raised an eyebrow in amazement. Unexpected, though. But it's nice that the girls are taking the initiative and trying to lighten the atmosphere in the team, especially since it's easier for them to find a language among themselves. But they've picked up some words from me, you lousy bastards - no matter how hard you try, something slips through when you speak on automatic.
- That's commendable," I nodded to them, but remembering something, I asked, "was it not when all three of you showed up at the training with bruises and scratches?
I didn't ask anything then, especially since they didn't look particularly upset about it and just thought that they were practicing unsupervised among themselves or with friends. Not everyone has an iryonin teacher to clean up the consequences, and Surizawa was strictly forbidden to use the skills he had learned without my supervision.
- Yes, we fought first," Asani nodded, "and then we talked at length.
- That's good," she said, "then rest up and come back to me in two days for training.
- Yes, Sensei! - The students replied in unison.
After sending them home with the rest of the feast, I paid the bill and hurried to the clan quarter, but not to my house, but straight to the residence of the clan head. Shenesu had to be there, so after greeting Setsura who opened the door, I went straight to my uncle's office, knocking and waiting for permission, I entered and sat down in the visitor's chair.
- Have you heard the news yet? - I asked him directly.
While I was feeding the starving genin, the rumors should have spread throughout the village, especially since one of the chunins who helped in the second stage was from Nara.
- Yes, I have already been informed, - he nodded, - congratulations on the students' passage to the finals, although I had hoped for such a result, but even I had my doubts.
- I frowned, "Sarutobi is overreacting, to the detriment of the cause.
- Yes, Hiruzen may have used the moment to strengthen his student's position, but that's overkill," Shenesu drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully, "and as the host of the exam, it's a big disadvantage not to have a full team in the finals. Before this, none of the great villages had ever stooped this low in the final stage.
- A couple of rumors will keep it quiet," he suggested, adding, "I even had the genin think of it when three from Konoha were chosen.
- But that's not enough," his uncle frowned, clearly calculating dozens of options in his head, "but losing the Sarutobi clan a few trade contracts after some information leaked out would be a good thing.
I nodded in agreement - a blow to a trader's wallet is always more painful than any other.
- Should we poison Minato before the exam, lightly, so he can't perform to his full potential? - I asked him. - No one would notice, I guarantee they'd think it was food poisoning.
- Too obvious and with your specialization, they will not look for a long time interested, there is nothing to tarnish the impeccable reputation for nothing, - the head of the clan shook his head negatively. - But don't worry, I've got a good idea how to mess with Hiruzen without doing anything.
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