"Heh... It seems Elder Fenyue has some pretty strong personal opinions. He's quite unhappy with me, too. But that's all right. We won't shy away from these topics at the meeting. We'll face the problems and solve them together."
Slender fingers tapped against the table, each click landing like a beat against everyone's heart. For a moment, their throats felt dry.
"What about everyone else? Does anyone have an issue to raise? If so, say it all now. You can discuss it with Elder Fenyue, and I'll resolve everything for you."
Karatachi Yagura swept his gaze around the room. Wherever his sharp eyes landed, people looked away and lowered their heads, not daring to utter a word.
"Hahaha, it seems no one else has anything to say. Good. That makes things easier for everyone."
As he spoke, Karatachi Yagura's gaze suddenly locked onto Fenyue, cold and dangerous.
"Now."
"Let's start by talking about your problems, Elder Fenyue."
Fenyue froze, then his expression changed dramatically, disbelief written all over his face.
"My problems?! You insolent brat! Do you even know what you're saying?!"
"I've worked myself to the bone for my entire life, shed blood for the Mist Ninja! For thirty years! And you say I have problems?! Go to hell!"
"A nobody who climbed his way up by sucking up to powerful people! What do you have to be proud of? You're going to interrogate me? Who the hell do you think you are?!"
Fenyue grew more and more agitated, his words coming faster and faster.
"The livelihoods of the Mist Ninja, from top to bottom, all thirteen branches of administration—they're all on my shoulders!"
Karatachi Yagura didn't rush or lose his temper. He simply waited in silence. Only after the elder had finished venting and speaking did he slowly