Her voice echoed through the quiet office, carrying a lesson from history:
"Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō of Konoha are a warning to us."
"Shimura Danzō had his own position and made his 'contributions' to Konoha. But wasn't his years of overstepping and acting in the shadows partly due to the Third Hokage's reluctance to set aside old ties, and his tolerance in the name of the 'Will of Fire'?"
"We both know the internal damage and tragedy that followed."
"Kirigakure must never repeat that mistake. Once authority is divided or routinely challenged, the result could be disastrous chaos."
Her words hit Ao and Chojuro like a splash of cold water.
Ao's lone eye snapped up to Mei Terumi, then to Chojuro beside him—young, yet already burdened with the village's future. The muscles in his face tightened.
He realized that the Mizukage was not speaking of personal likes or dislikes. She was addressing a principle at the heart of the village's order.
Chojuro, too, set aside his panic. Thoughtfulness appeared on his youthful face, followed by growing resolve.
He understood now. As the future Mizukage, he could not let his good temper and respect for his seniors come at the cost of decisive leadership and the Mizukage's authority.
It was not a matter of being coldhearted. It was a greater responsibility to the village.
Silence held for a moment.
Ao bowed his head deeply first. "Yes, Lady Mizukage. I failed to think this through. From now on, I'll mind my place as your subordinate and do everything I can to uphold your authority."
His voice remained steady, but it carried a newfound gravity.
Chojuro took a deep breath and straightened his back. He was still a little nervous, but there was a change in his eyes.
"I understand,