"I am slow to anger" [The Anahita are slow to anger]
Makoto grinned, “Nara Shikaku, you have Hatakes in your village?“
Shikaku raised an eyebrow, “The Hatakes of Konoha are, dying out to say the least. Theres one left, he’s been the last since he was a mere child.”
Shikaku eyed Makoto, “Do tell me their name, I‘m on the edge of my seat.”
Makoto smiled, connivingly, and Shikaku deadpanned, “Well, Makoto-san, what do I get in return?”
“Hm, I suppose I could get the Konohan branch of my clan to back you. What do you say Shikaku-san?” Shikaku rolled his eyes, a nod affirming her offer.
“I suppose that works, but the last two Hatakes to live in Konoha were, Hatake Kakashi & Hatake Sakumo?” Makotos eyes widened, she grinned.
“Hatake Kakashi?” Makoto laughed, “Ah, you know, this information is quite valuable to me. My Clan will back you, I do hope you’re going to make some changes around here. Maybe in the scenery.”
Makoto glanced at the Hokage Mountain, and Shikaku knew what the sly woman was alluding to. He replied, “A change in scenery would be nice, but, what kind of change?”
Shikaku smiled, and Makoto returned it, continuing, “I’d hope for a more practical change while still keeping everything nice and pretty. Perhaps the ones making the change shouldn’t drink.”
Ah, Tsunade, she doesn’t want Tsunade. Makoto gazed at him, garnering his reaction, “One could say, this village needs some more warmth.”
“Hm, I agree, warmth would be ideal. But, therein lies a risk of flames burning in the scenery.”
“There is always a risk of flames,” Makoto started, lazily spinning her wine glass, “Might as well let the flames be flames of warmth, rather than flames of fear or death.”
Shikaku took a sip of his own, this woman was going to be the death of him.
Makoto smiled, “Well Shikaku, is there anything else you’d like to touch on?”
He considered his options for a moment, “Let’s continue in private.”
He placed his seals of secrecy, and continued, “Replacing Hiruzen is one thing, but with an Uchiha?”
She smiled, “The Uchiha are getting restless, you see it, correct?” Shikaku nodded, taking a sip of his wine, “Well, they worry about their place, don’t they. What better way to say, we trust you than to place them in the position of utmost power.”
“I see, the Uchiha feel isolated, placing one as Hokage would allow them to see they’re trusted. But, who?” Shikaku continued by answering his own question, “Itachi is, too young, and the heir. Fugaku is the clan head, perhaps Mikoto? She’s always had a good head on her shoulders.”
Makoto looked at Shikaku, a stare saying this is your own decision. Just know you have our support.
Shikaku sighed, “Thank you, Makoto.”