You Said You'd Kill Them, and You Did

The incense had burned out.

The last bit of ash fell from the edge of the burner and crumbled to powder on the table.

Shikaku Nara set down his teacup.

"Time's up."

His voice was quiet, but it struck the stagnant silence like a stone. Everyone in the main hall caught their breath.

Mitokado Homura rose slowly. He showed no panic. A faint sneer even lingered on his lips.

He raised the sealed letter above his head. The private seal on its envelope gleamed dark gold in the candlelight.

"Shikaku." Mitokado Homura's voice was low, but it carried the smugness he had held back all morning. "Listen carefully."

He paused, then spoke one word at a time:

"This letter was written by an influential figure in the Land of Fire Capital."

"He promised us that today, they would urge the Daimyo to reconsider the choice for Fifth Hokage."

His words struck the main hall like a spark.

Sarutobi Ryota jerked his head up, light returning to his bloodshot eyes. Utatane Koharu lifted her face from her hands, her lips moving as though she had finally found something to cling to.

The younger clan members exchanged looks. Some clenched their fists, some straightened their backs, and one even muttered, "Fuck, we're saved."

Mitokado Homura gripped the letter and fixed Shikaku with a cold stare.

"I've spent thirty years building connections in the Capital. Does this letter carry enough weight?"

Behind him, Sarutobi Ryota stepped forward, his voice booming again.

"Shikaku! Go back and tell that Uchiha brat who really calls the shots in the Land of Fire!"

"Yeah! Let him take his case to the Capital!"

"The Daimyo has appointed Hokages since ancient times! If the Daimyo says he's out, he'll have no choice but to step down!"

The shouting swelled