On the night before his inauguration, Kazemori Masaki did something unusual: instead of going to bed, he went alone to his study, walked to the window, and gazed outside. He wondered whether everyone on the verge of assuming high office felt this way. Until that moment actually arrived, he could never truly settle his nerves.
The study door opened softly, and Satomi walked in. She had been about to retire to the bedroom, but curiosity had drawn her over when she noticed the study light was still on. Seeing Kazemori Masaki standing by the window, she asked, "Masaki, why haven't you come to bed? Tomorrow is the Third's inauguration. You can't be late."
"Don't worry. I won't be late." Kazemori Masaki turned and smiled. "I just can't sleep right now."
"Hmm?" Satomi considered that for a moment. "Would you like me to make you some porridge?"
Kazemori Masaki thought for a moment, then nodded. Satomi went to the kitchen to prepare some rice porridge. Meanwhile, he remained lost in thought by his chair. Only when she set a bowl on the table did he come back to himself, thank her, and begin eating.
Satomi sat down beside him, propped her cheek on her hand, and watched him. "Masaki, you seem very unsettled. Is it because of the inauguration?"
Kazemori Masaki quickly finished the small bowl of porridge. At Satomi's question, he hesitated briefly before admitting, "Yes."
"Why?" Satomi was thoroughly puzzled.
"Satomi, do you think I can be a good Hokage?" Instead of answering directly, Kazemori Masaki asked another question.
"Do you even need to ask? Lord Tobirama and all the Jonin recommended you together. How could you possibly fail as Hokage?" Satomi shook her head repeatedly, as though he had said something ridiculous. "Even setting everything else aside, your