- Orochimaru, the situation is too tense for you to allow yourself to do such... rash things," it was obvious that Sarutobi wanted to express himself more harshly, but he held himself back. "The Hokage title is at stake, which depends on the support of supporters and allies, and these same people are already starting to ask questions, to me.
"I forgot to add the possibility of keeping at least some leverage in your hands, after the change of power under the pressure of the clans," - thought the mentioned, but did not speak out loud.
- Don't worry, Sarutobi-sensei, it was just an exchange of personal techniques and knowledge, nothing political was discussed," the snake sannin couldn't help but snort derisively, "it's much more interesting to talk to such a promising young man than to smile at a crowd of fools who can't solve a simple multilevel equation and see science as something useless.
- Those fools will be electing you, so be careful not to derail my efforts," the Hokage wisely decided not to bring up the hackneyed topic.
There had been a lot of friction between student and teacher over the need for a full-fledged laboratory complex with permanent staff to develop a scientific approach to the use of chakra, and that was the main reason for the spat between them, besides the issue of funding for research.
Orochimaru was amused by the fact that Hiruzen, who had reconciled, was now trying not for himself, whatever he thought about it, but for his old friend and rival Danzo, who had secured the loyalty of the candidate for the fourth Hokage in good time with a lot of money for a proper laboratory, interesting materials and regular delivery of test subjects, even if he had to make a few inquiries for the sake of it.
- Oh, Sensei, start a counter rumor of the opposite direction and the problem will go away," the snake summoner sighed, mentally lamenting the fact that he had to waste his time on such nonsense, "you have the people to do it, or better yet, start a rumor that despite the rivalry, the elite of the village are able to put aside political squabbles and simply exchange experiences, in the name of the Will of Fire, of course.
There was a subtle sneer in Orochimaru's suggestion, but the elderly shinobi chose not to notice it.
- It's already in the works, but I hope you'll be sensible enough not to give me any more trouble by giving me more to worry about," Orochimaru frowned. - Hiruzen frowned, drilling his apprentice with a judgmental look practiced over years of mentoring.
- 'Very well, Sarutobi-sensei, I'll be more careful from now on,' the snake sannin promised, realizing that lectures of this sort could go on for a long time and it would be easier to agree and get back to work than to waste even more time.
- I hope so," the Hokage nodded and turned and headed for the exit of the room.
Orochimaru shook his head as he followed.
- His sensei is losing it," he muttered to himself, "even if his physical strength is still up to par, he's losing his mental flexibility, a situation he wouldn't have had any trouble with before.
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