Sarada was mostly silent, but listened with interest. She was especially interested in Sumire's story, which she shyly shared after a little begging...
Unlike everyone present, Sumire didn't act confident and didn't even try to argue. Although, it is possible that out of habit he kept the mask of a weak and insecure girl. In reality, she only revealed what they needed to know.
So, slightly hostile and strange in its own way, two generations clashed. Mature women met with the young mistresses of the Hokage. Although, it is obvious that they themselves were in a similar position, despite their age. To some extent, they were equal, but at the same time, Shizune's status, Temari's pregnancy and Sarada's position clearly placed them in different positions. It was only natural that any of them wanted to outdo each other, especially Sumire. But, now, all that was left for them was to establish a connection, because the truth is that despite their age, they were all equal, like his women.
Keeping the bed warm, giving pleasure, bearing his children, and faithfully serving him all brought them together. They inspired each other and could learn a lot. But, for all this, it was necessary to establish a connection, which Shizune constantly hinted at.
Even if the Master ordered to take care of Sumire, she decided to take on the most difficult role. Unite all his women and extinguish the feud to an acceptable level, and prevent bloodshed. Her skirmish with Ino, as well as the recent scene with Sarada and Temari, showed that such a thing is vital for their peaceful coexistence. If we add to this the hot-tempered Tsunade and Sakura, then in the end a war may begin. Therefore, it was required to extinguish it in the bud, naturally, "for the common good." This is what Shizune did, slowly finding out all the secrets and trying to make friends with a couple of cute girls of the younger generation.
Eventually Sarada left and they were just the three of them.
The atmosphere got quite tense...
It was then that Shizune finally stopped her diplomatic games and seriously turned to Sumire:
Are you ready to join us?
She's already made up her mind about her. Unfortunately, it was not possible to agree with Sarada. She put her feelings too high. It took time with her ... In addition, she was not particularly suitable for this "association". Rather, it was to control the likes of Sarada that they should have worked together.
But as far as Sumire is concerned, everything is much simpler. For Shizune, she was close in spirit. Previously, they might not have worked. But now, having changed under the influence of the Master, they could become an ideal team. In addition, Sumire's position was very precarious. From a simple conversation, Shizune found out that Naruto paid almost no attention to her, and that said a lot.
Everything worked out pretty well. Even Temari is here...
— Join? As soon as Sumire heard this proposal, she immediately frowned and immediately dropped her mask. A couple of adult kunoichi began to look at her warily.
Unlike Sarada with her Sharingan, Sumire evoked much more anxiety. They could not read it and understand what was going on in her head. If such a person grows up and carries certain grievances, then this can become a huge problem.
But, Shizune still took the risk, and not only because of the Master's order...
"Things get harder..."
The kunoichi chuckled wryly at her feelings before explaining in detail the plan she presented to Temari not so long ago.
It was then that Sumire finally understood everything...
She wasn't stupid, actually figured out Shizune's goals almost the moment Shizune mentioned it. What else could a mistress and a servant want to curry favor with their Master? She pursued a very obvious goal. But, Sumire took a different path... She had her own interests. She wanted to stay with him and get rid of everyone... This bloodthirsty desire to finish off all rivals grew stronger every day, from the very moment he possessed Sarada. But Sumire understood that this was not the best option - such a benefit would cost her too much and require huge risks. Attacking in the open is also impossible. That is why she tried to negotiate with Sarada and throw dust in her eyes. When your opponent does not suspect anything, it is easiest to attack. Sumire wanted to protect herself and have ways of attack in the future. Nobody knew about these ambitions.
She really was smart, not at all for her age ...
If Shizune made an alliance, realizing her limits, then Sumire wanted to figure out the problem personally, pretending and gathering information. But it's quite obvious which method is better...
Shizune appeared on the way with a pretty good offer. How could such a thing be refused? An association that can become a cover and even a valuable figure. Maybe you don't have to kill anyone...
Sumire didn't think about this decision for a long time.
If Shizune knew what was going on in this dangerous girl's head, it's even hard to imagine how her facial expressions would change. She probably would have been glad, because her plan to prevent possible bloodshed had just worked. Maybe she was just delaying the inevitable...
Sumire was laconic.
"Hmm... Now I understand... It all sounds so interesting... Well..." She cast a wary glance towards Temari and noticed the tension on her face, after which she regained her former innocent smile, and politely said :
"Relying on the elders… Sumire will try her best." I won't disappoint you!
The girl giggled sweetly, acting completely carefree. But that laughter sent cold shivers running down the backs of both kunoichi...
"It's a girl..." Temari chuckled darkly. Upstarts annoyed her, but even so, she did not provoke her.
However, Shizune was quite pleased. When she received this answer, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It remains only to translate the goals into reality ...
Like this, a team of two quickly turned into a team of three... Sooner or later, this would have happened, at least there would not have been a catastrophe leading to it.
I returned. Like, comment and ask questions.