Mei's face burned red, wishing she could sink into the floor. Her outburst a moment ago had been far too undignified for the Mizukage.
"Ahem."
Yuto cleared his throat, shifting every gaze back onto him.
"I didn't say all that to accuse anyone. I just want you to understand where Kirigakure stands. I don't want to see factions tripping each other up."
His eyes flicked briefly toward the unconscious Utakata. The message was clear—he was displeased with how the jinchuriki incident had been handled.
Two of those present exhaled quietly in relief. At least for now, it seemed Yuto didn't plan to pursue them further.
He caught the tension creeping back and chuckled.
"I've spoken enough. From here, I leave things to the Mizukage. This is her domain, after all."
He pushed the untouched scroll back toward Mei. He hadn't opened it, but its purpose was obvious—some formal decree.
Mei blinked in surprise. He'd deliberately refrained from undermining her. But he underestimated her, she thought. She wasn't Mizukage just for her strength; she knew how to wield authority. And with Elder Genji's support, she could act boldly.
She stole a glance at Genji, a flicker of sly amusement in her eyes. Even Yuto might be caught off guard by what was coming.
"Cough, cough…"
The frail hacking of Elder Genji cut across the hall, drawing every eye.
At his side, a middle-aged man's face turned grave with sorrow. "Sensei, your body grows worse by the day. You must rest."
The words rang oddly, and sharp listeners frowned. Yuto studied the man—Mei's dossier named him Quanbei, Genji's aide. The way he spoke felt like it was aimed at Yuto, not the old man.
"Yes… old bones, no strength left," Genji sighed, playing along.
Thump.
Quanbei stood abruptly, startling the assembly.
"Mizukage-sama, you know your elder's condition. Please, make your decision soon."
He sat back down with a mask of worry, but Yuto nearly laughed aloud. The theatrics were too much. Genji was aged, yes, but nowhere near death's door. He had years left in him.
Mei sighed heavily, her expression sorrowful.
"Elder Genji has submitted his resignation several times. I refused before, but for his health… I must act now."
The weight of her words hit. Even the slowest among them realized something monumental was about to shift.
"From this day, Elder Genji steps down. At his own request, Yuto-sama will succeed him as the new elder. Here is his letter of recommendation and my own signed confirmation."
She unrolled the scroll, displaying both their signatures, with Yuto's name written in the appointment line.
Shock rippled through the chamber. Even Yuto himself blinked, momentarily taken aback. He'd never imagined Mei and Genji would orchestrate this without a word to him.
He almost laughed. He'd worried about overshadowing her authority—but she had neatly folded him into the hierarchy instead. From today, in a sense, he was her subordinate.
Across the table, Kinoshita Jiro and Tsuchida Masamitsu went pale. Genji had kept them utterly in the dark. They'd been cast aside.
Masamitsu's jaw tightened, rebellion flashing in his eyes. He was ready to object—but Genji rose with a quiet cough before he could.
"The position of elder is unlike any other. It demands status, seniority, and absolute loyalty to the village. Only Yuto-sama fulfills all three."
His calm words left no room to argue.
Status—he was the First Mizukage. None stood higher.
Seniority—his age eclipsed even Genji's.
Loyalty—he had built Kirigakure itself.
Masamitsu swallowed his protest. There was nothing left to say.
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