"Kid, how do you expect me to explain this? Should I say that the other side claims I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, have absolutely no interest in power, or that our Sarutobi Clan doesn't want to lose all its power?" Hiruzen's question left Asuma Sarutobi with no answer.
"You've seen how the clan has been reacting lately. Since I stepped down, the power and benefits in the clan members' hands have been affected to some extent. Most of them don't understand the value of keeping a low profile or knowing when to bow out. They still want to cling to the power they hold. Can you predict the consequences?" Hiruzen looked straight into his son's eyes as he asked.
Asuma knew all too well what his father was talking about. There had been plenty of complaints within the clan lately. Even the opportunists who used to ingratiate themselves with him had become much fewer.
"Look, you haven't touched your cup in ages. Your tea's gone cold."
When the person leaves, the tea grows cold. That was true everywhere.
Asuma stared down at the teacup before him in silence for a long while. He had no way to solve the problem his father had described, either.
After a long pause, he looked up at his father again, but the certainty in his eyes had faded.
"So, Father, you still want to seize more power, is that it?" As the Hokage's son, Asuma had grown up at Hiruzen's side, absorbing his lessons and watching him closely. He had a sharp eye and a keen political mind, so he could naturally understand his father's intentions.
"Then tell me, what should I do?" Hiruzen didn't answer his son directly. Instead, he put the question back to him, testing his wisdom.
"Let the Shimura, Utatane, and Mito