The next morning, the atmosphere in Elder Genji's residence was grave.
Genji, now past sixty, sat upright in the seat of honor. Beneath his gray-white brows were a pair of hawk-sharp eyes.
He wore a simple gray kimono and leaned on a cane that appeared ordinary but concealed hidden mechanisms. His entire bearing carried an authority that needed no anger to command respect.
"Shinsuke, are you certain Takao intends to launch a coup?" Genji's voice was low and steady, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.
Fujiwara Shinsuke knelt below him. His usual scholarly demeanor was gone, replaced by a solemn expression. "Without a doubt. Takao has gathered Matsumoto's faction and plans to raid the Mizukage Building today."
Seated to Genji's right was the second elder, Shimada Isamu, a lean old man with skin as dark as iron. Below his right elbow was a prosthetic arm forged from Chakra Metal. He sneered. "That old bastard Takao has finally run out of patience."
"This is no trivial matter." Genji furrowed his brows. "If mishandled, it may lead to civil unrest within the village."
"You worry too much, Elder." A faint mechanical sound came from Shimada Isamu's prosthetic arm. "Why not play along? Let Takao's men test the waters first. If the Mizukage truly has been taken, we can reap the benefits; if it is a trap, Takao's faction will bear the consequences."
Genji lightly tapped his cane with his fingers, clearly weighing the pros and cons.
At that moment, Mei Terumi, who had been standing silently to the side, spoke up. "Elder, I believe Lord Shimada's proposal is feasible." She wore a fitted dark-blue dress today, her reddish-brown hair tied high, making her look heroic and valiant. "The Bloody Mist policy has already severely weakened the village. If we continue fighting among ourselves..."