Konoha's youngest big shot

"What a shame. I thought you would agree, Mai. After all, our personalities have so much in common.

But we have plenty of time, and there will be other opportunities. If you ever change your mind, you can come to me anytime."

Orochimaru's voice was full of regret. What a splendid research subject—Dual kekkei genkai! Being able to see him but not get his hands on him was maddening.

Strictly speaking, Uchiha Mai's personality and approach to things really were at odds with Minato's and Jiraiya's.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was too complicated a man, his personality changing at every stage of his life. It would be hard to say that Minato and Jiraiya resembled him.

The one Minato and Jiraiya resembled more was the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

Uchiha Mai and Orochimaru, meanwhile, were the same sort of people as the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

At eight thirty, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived at the office on time. After sweeping his gaze over everyone, he took the seat reserved for the Naruto.

Everyone perked up and sat straight. Even the usually flippant Jiraiya and Danzo, who was at odds with Sarutobi Hiruzen, straightened a little.

At this point in his life, the Third Hokage still commanded considerable respect.

Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped the desktop, signaling the official start of the regular meeting.

The ninja present reported on their work one after another, and the big shots gradually joined in, offering opinions and taking part in the discussions.

Uchiha Mai sat patiently in the corner.

The Third Hokage had specifically asked Fugaku to bring him along, so there had to be something related to him to announce. He would not have done it for no reason.

By the time lunch was drawing near, they had finally dealt with every item.

"Nothing else to report?

Then