The pair of elders were silent for a few moments, remembering the very broad list of abuses of power and unsavory stories that any politician who had been in power for a long time was guaranteed to have.
- I think if Mito-sama hadn't intervened, we'd have been wasted almost as soon as the situation allowed it, without even looking at Hiruzen's reaction," Mitokado sighed, suddenly looking a dozen years older, "and it's not even certain that the family would have been spared, Not to mention the finances, so don't be stubborn and try to drive the price down - the money left over will be enough for the children to live well and even some for the grandchildren, and no one is claiming our personal libraries, which are much more valuable than material goods.
- Have you already agreed to the deal? - The older kunoichi asked.
- For my part - Yes, are you in? - Homura nodded, ignoring the displeased look on his longtime friend's face, and immediately warned: - Just keep in mind, Koharu, that you'll have to play fair, and if you think you're the smart one again, I'll wash my hands of it and you'll deal with the consequences yourself.
- I understand the gravity of the situation and I'm not going to jeopardize my family! - snorted the kunoichi. - When are you supposed to meet with Uzumaki?
- It's easy enough to send word," the shinobi waved his hand.
- Then send it!
***
The hall in the Hokage's tower had been transformed - according to the importance of such events as the reception of the Daimyo and the simultaneous election of the new leader of Konoha - the old furniture had been removed and in the center was a huge table made of a solid piece of wood, able to accommodate the crowd of people who should be present by right of vote and status, for the ruler's entourage and just observers, like the civil council of the village, chairs were placed along the walls draped in gilded satin cloth, activated seals burned on the walls, showing at once the level of security of the event, and twelve Anbunins hung invisible from the ceiling, not to mention the fifteen in plain sight in the hall and another four at the entrance.
The participants and spectators were gradually arriving, each taking their seats - someone from the tower administration had thoughtfully taped name tags to the backs of the chairs, so that despite the crowds, everyone was seated without fuss or confusion.
The clan leaders were seated at one end of the table, the full jonin council at the other, the S-rank fighters who also had full voting rights, and the heads of Konoha's various services, who wielded considerable power.
There was some confusion about Jiraiya, the acting head of Anbu Nee, but by tacit agreement of those present, the organization was not counted, and the toad sannin joined the mighty bunch of the best fighters.
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