Chiba smiled calmly, as if the weight of the entire room meant nothing to him. "Of course, I have my own intelligence channels," he said. "But before I can determine whether you are truly worthy of trust, how could I possibly reveal them?"
A cold sneer cut through the chamber. Fuguki Suikazan, former wielder of Samehada, senior of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and once Kisame Hoshigaki's direct superior, stepped forward. "Then how can we be certain," he said sharply, "that it wasn't you, or the forces backing you, who laid hands on the Mizukage-sama in the first place?"
The words landed like a blade. Several elders narrowed their eyes. This was no longer a discussion. This was an accusation.
Chiba regarded Suikazan as one might regard an idiot who had spoken out of turn. "So let me see if I understand," he said calmly. "I secretly attack the Mizukage, and then personally expose the truth afterward?" His lips curved faintly. "And tell me, what level of intellect does one need to sit in this high council?"
The air froze. Suikazan exploded in rage, chakra flaring, but before the situation could spiral out of control, a single cane struck the stone floor. Tap. Silence fell instantly. Elder Genji raised his hand, his presence alone suppressing the room. "Enough," he said. His voice was old but carried unquestionable authority.
"What Clan Head Chiba says is not without merit. The extermination order against the Yuki Clan was indeed issued by the Mizukage, but it was done while he was under genjutsu. To attempt annihilation one day, and demand absolute trust the next, is an absurd expectation." Genji's gaze swept across the chamber, forcing several elders to avert their eyes. "If Clan Head Chiba chooses not to disclose his intelligence sources, that decision is understandable. I invited him here precisely because Kirigakure is undergoing reform, and in times like these, capable talent must not be wasted."
Then Genji's eyes sharpened. "However, there is one matter I cannot ignore. Clan Head Chiba, why do you insist on becoming Mizukage?"
The room leaned inward. This was the true question. Chiba answered without hesitation. "It's simple. To use talent according to its measure. A man should shoulder responsibilities equal to his ability." He spoke plainly, yet every word carried weight. "Take the previous Mizukage. If men of that caliber had been confined to ordinary shinobi roles their entire lives, would that not have been a waste of talent? I am no different. Since I possess this level of strength, I naturally seek the authority required to act upon it."
He met Genji's gaze directly. "Of course," he added calmly and unyieldingly, "for the betterment of the Land of Water and Kirigakure."
A soft chuckle escaped Genji. "Blunt words," he said, "but honest ones. Still, you are a newcomer. Many here are seeing you for the first time. To declare such ambition so openly, it is only natural that resistance would arise. And besides," he added slowly, "even if a new Mizukage were to be chosen today, Kirigakure is not lacking in capable candidates."
Chiba nodded. "That's true." Then, after a moment, his gaze shifted. "For example… Mei Terumi."
A ripple ran through the chamber. Genji's brow furrowed. "Oh?" he asked. "You believe Mei Terumi is qualified to become Mizukage?"
Mei felt her heart stir. This man really did speak without fear-no maneuvering, no retreat. And yet… she liked that.
Chiba continued, unflinching. "Not merely qualified. She and I are the only two truly fit to sit in that seat."
The council erupted instantly-whispers, shock, opposition. Genji turned his gaze toward Mei. "Mei Terumi," he said evenly, "what is your view?"
Her cheeks flushed faintly. She wasn't like Chiba. She wasn't used to declaring ambition so openly. But when she looked at him, he was smiling-not provocatively, not arrogantly, simply certain. And somehow, that certainty reached her.
"I agree with Clan Head Chiba," Mei said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "If a new Mizukage is to be chosen, then the most suitable candidates are him and me."
The chamber exploded once more. Genji laughed quietly. "It seems your visit to the Yuki Clan changed you."
Mei's face burned red. He wasn't wrong. Even she could feel it; Chiba's presence had already altered her.
Genji turned to the elders. "And you?"
An elderly councilor spoke gravely. "Electing a new Mizukage is indeed urgent. We cannot allow a deranged Yondaime Mizukage to remain in power indefinitely, nor can this truth remain buried forever. But the choice of successor requires careful deliberation."
Ao nodded in agreement. "I concur. The next Mizukage must be selected through a fair, open, and just process, one that earns unquestionable legitimacy."
Murmurs of approval spread. Genji fell silent, tapping his cane once more. "Fair. Open. Just… I understand. I have a proposal."
The room went still. In that moment, Genji was not merely an elder-he was the axis upon which Kirigakure turned. He spoke slowly, deliberately.
"At present, Kirigakure faces two critical crises. First, the rebel forces continue to assault the village and attempt assassinations. Their leader is the so-called Demon of the Mist, Momochi Zabuza. He could have been one of our greatest assets, but in the end… he too is a victim of the Bloody Mist."
"Second, the disappearance of the Rokubi Jinchūriki, Utakata. This matter cannot be understated. Kirigakure possesses only biju's beasts. The Sanbi resides within the Mizukage himself, who is currently incapacitated. If the Rokubi is also lost…"
Genji's voice hardened. "That would spell true ruin."
The silence that followed was suffocating. Finally, Genji concluded: "Therefore, whoever resolves both of these crises… shall become the Godaime Mizukage of Kirigakure."
The game had begun, and the board was already soaked in blood and ambition.