Chiyo lowered her head without saying a word, holding herself ready to accept whatever punishment came. Before long, the Third Kazekage's voice rang out, though he had yet to arrive. "What are you guards good for? You dare stop Elder Chiyo? Are you blind?"
The Third Kazekage berated the gate guards. They stayed silent, letting him vent. Once the camp gates swung open, he hurried over and helped Elder Chiyo to her feet. "Elder, what are you doing? I've learned all about how the war went. This wasn't your fault. Konoha's commander was simply too devious."
(What he really meant was: Elder, you were all too stupid in this war, and your terrible commander's orders caused our army to suffer heavy losses!)
Chiyo shook her head. "Lord Kazekage, I am old and muddleheaded. I made a grave mistake in this campaign, and I ask to resign as an elder."
Her words left both the Third Kazekage and his personal guards stunned. The Third Kazekage frowned, clearly displeased. "Elder! What are you saying? Wars have winners and losers. We'll win next time, so there's no need to take it to heart!"
"No, Lord Kazekage. I know how grave my sins are. I no longer deserve to serve as an elder!" Chiyo said again.
"Absolutely not. Sunagakure could do without me as Third Kazekage, but it could never do without you, Elder!" the Third Kazekage said, gazing at Chiyo with utmost sincerity.
To anyone else, this would have looked like the Third Kazekage showing magnanimity. To Chiyo, it was all an act. So she repeated, "Lord Kazekage, I am old. All I want is to live in peace with my family. Please grant my request!"
As she spoke, she even started to kneel. The Third Kazekage couldn't let her do that—he would