- There was a little problem with the delivery, due to the unstable situation in Mizu no Kuni," the Hokage's apprentice shrugged, "but within a couple of weeks, everything should be delivered.
- Great! - I cheered.
The clones were beginning to test the knowledge from Hishi Hyuga's notes, and I needed the proper chemical equipment to determine the substances being released, among other things. If only one Mystic Hand could be dispensed with....
- They'll be done before the Hokage's re-election," the scientist nodded.
- So Sarutobi-san has already been informed? - I raised an eyebrow lazily, not really surprised.
All the participants expected that after the announcement of the Daimyo's arrival, Hiruzen would receive the information on a silver platter. There was nothing he could do about it, and he wouldn't try, betting on his student's victory, no matter how small the odds.
- Naturally," Orochimaru nodded, "Sensei even made Jiraiya stay in the village until the Fourth Hokage was elected.
By default, the S-class fighters had the same voting power as the clan heads and could tip the scales one way or the other. That's why, with not even half of the clans in his fist, Hiruzen could expect to push through his candidate for the successor seat even in the most unfavorable scenario.
But with Mito, Sakumo, and me - Tsunade's a big question mark - there's no way to pull that kind of trick. If only old man Hishi were alive...
***
- Boss," Hisato raised his right hand in greeting, the other hand lazily fending off the former Kazekage's attacks, "it's been a while since you've stopped by.
- Yes," I sighed, "and given the need to prepare not only myself, but also my family for the war, along with a mountain of orders, I have to prioritize.
- Well, that's why you're an original, so you can take care of all fronts," Kaguya shrugged a little snidely.
- Ouch, not mentioning it," I grimaced and waved it off, switching to another topic, "How's your progress in mastering your body?
- More or less, boss, I can already move relatively freely, although the use of chakra is still difficult and the current ceiling - the most elementary techniques, - reported the new kanpeki ningyo, relaxing and getting out of the fighting stance, - if all will move at this rate, then to restore the form will be in a couple or three months.
- That's better than I originally thought," he nodded thoughtfully, "but the amount of reinforcement required is too great to hope for another S-rank body.
- Perhaps he should try meditation, given Ishigawa's undoubted success? - Hisato asked, arguing the suggestion: "It's still a long way from perfecting chakra control, but taijutsu isn't too hard to master, and it would definitely help reduce the cost of yin-chakra, even though it would take a lot of time.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon (+ 200 chapter)
patreon.com/Chill76