"Genji-why?!" Kukulin's eyes widened involuntarily as he stared in disbelief at the Prayer Beads in Gonbei's hand. "Why would Genji support that woman?! The Fifth Mizukage! What gives her the right to become the fifth?!"
"You insolent fool! Are you trying to defy Genji's decision?!" Gonbei barked sternly. He did not know why Genji had chosen Mei Terumi either, but since the elder had made his decision, Gonbei would naturally do everything he could to support her.
"From this day forward, I am Kirigakure's Fifth Mizukage!" Mei Terumi stepped forward and swept a stern gaze over the crowd, then declared firmly, "Anyone who objects can step forward. I'll give you a chance to challenge me!"
At Mei Terumi's declaration, the Kirigakure Ninja gradually recovered from the shock of Genji's endorsement. Quite a few began itching to act.
If they could defeat Mei Terumi under these circumstances, they could strip her of the right to become the Fifth Mizukage, even with Genji's support.
It would be just like what Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki had done back then. After the First Mizukage, Byakuren, died, he had decisively stepped forward, defeated Byakuren's chosen successor, and seized the position of Second Mizukage.
Such a thing would naturally be unthinkable in other countries, but in Kirigakure, where strength reigned supreme, the Mizukage was supposed to be the strongest person in the village. It was only right for the victor to take everything from the defeated.
In those circumstances, even the First Mizukage's last wishes and the support of his faction had been useless. Genji, whose influence rested on prestige alone, stood even less of a chance. His endorsement carried weight, but not as much as the First Mizukage's had back then.
Yet the Kirigakure Ninja of the Conservative Faction could only exchange looks. They tried