One elder couldn't hold back and stood up, "We've devoted decades of diligent service to the Hidden Mist, our meritorious deeds—"
"You all do know it's been decades, huh."
Terumi Mei cut him off, displeased, "You occupy a seat for so long that many capable young people in the village never get a chance to be promoted."
She swept her gaze around.
It just so happened she could give positions to Zabuza and Ao; these two were now her trusted aides and their abilities were decent.
As for Chojuro and Haku, they were still too young, needed a couple more years to settle.
"An elder must be good at analysis, have rich experience, and guide the village's development direction."
Another elder grew anxious, "The youngsters are still too early, they need more polishing."
"If you don't give them opportunities, how will they ever be polished?"
To everyone's surprise, the one who spoke up was Genshi, and he continued without pause, "That isn't an excuse for your greed for power."
"Lord Genshi, this… this—"
His words struck a nerve and the elders were momentarily unable to form a complete sentence.
"'When the tree leaves dance, One shall find flames. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, And once again, tree leaves shall bud anew."
At that moment Aoba interjected again, face serious, "Nowadays everyone advocates younger leadership. Since the Mist's youngsters have already grown, you older generation should trust and encourage them, and give the young people more chances."
The many elders were left speechless.
Genshi nodded in agreement, "What Aoba-sama says is right. If that's the case, I'll take the lead on this."
Saying that, he looked at Terumi Mei, "Mizukage, from now on I will yield this Great Elder seat to you."
"Lord Genshi?"
Several elders were shocked. Wasn't this returning to the old days of the Mizukage ruling alone? The Elder Council's balance would be bankrupt in just a few months.
But when they saw Aoba's gaze, they dared not speak and fell silent.
Terumi Mei stood up solemnly and bowed to Genshi.
"Lord Genshi, thank you for your decades of hard work. Rest assured, I will make sure the people of the Hidden Mist can live the lives they want."
Genshi nodded in satisfaction, "I watched you grow up, I trust your ability."
All he hoped now, with this relationship to Terumi Mei, was that the Mist Village would not be swallowed by Konoha in the future.
Now that even Genshi had given up his power, who else dared resist?
After the elder seats were settled, they discussed the Three-Tails incident a bit more.
There wasn't much to debate, really.
The village's losses were almost zero; what they needed to discuss was how to soothe the populace tomorrow.
After that would be the funeral for the Fourth Mizukage, Karatachi Yagura.
Although Yagura had done many wrong things under Obito's control, those deeds were not out of his true will; considering the deceased's status, a funeral still needed to be held.
When matters were finished, people left one after another, and only the two of them remained in the conference room.
Terumi Mei went up behind Aoba and started massaging his shoulders, smiling as she said, "Thanks for playing along in that performance with me, Aoba."
Aoba rested his head back on the cushion and enjoyed it, "I don't mind. I just think you make things too troublesome, Mei-nee. Now that you have the Three-Tails on hand, whatever you do, no one will dare oppose you."
Terumi Mei shook her head helplessly, "They are old now and starting to act foolish, but they still contributed to the Hidden Mist in the past, especially Lord Genshi. If not for him back then, I might've died in the Blood Mist."
"So I still hope they can keep some dignity."
Aoba pressed his lips together and didn't say much, "If that's what you want, Mei-nee."
"Thank you, Aoba."
Having such an understanding boyfriend made Terumi Mei quite happy; she couldn't help leaning down and planting a kiss on his forehead.
"By the way, what do you plan to do with that Uchiha?", she asked. She also wanted to catch that mastermind.
"Bring him back to the village and let those who should judge him do the judging."
Aoba said without thinking.
"Those who should judge him?", Terumi Mei asked in puzzlement.
"He was the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato. The Fourth and his wife treated him like a child, but during the Nine-Tails' attack twelve years ago, he took advantage of the seal loosening when the Fourth's wife was in childbirth, controlled the Nine-Tails, and caused their deaths."
Aoba explained simply.
"This…"
Terumi Mei was momentarily at a loss for words, "Then he certainly deserves to die."
"Wait, if he was Minato's disciple, what's his connection to that girl Rin Nohara?"
As the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei naturally knew about the Three-Tails' previous jinchuriki. She also knew the absurd plan Yagura had cooked up.
Aoba explained, "That guy liked Rin. Probably because your plan indirectly caused Rin's death, he went after you all so viciously."
"They were lovers?"
"No. Most likely unrequited love."
"..."
Terumi Mei didn't know how to reply.
"I'm actually pretty curious how you all thought it a good idea to seal your village's Tailed Beast into someone else's body?", Aoba asked curiously, looking at Terumi Mei.
Back then Konoha still had Kushina Uzumaki from the Uzumaki Clan. Really no fear of losing the Three-Tails, huh. By rights, Yagura hadn't been controlled at that time.
"Heh, who knows."
Terumi Mei didn't want to continue that topic. The Mist Village had always had a rough fate; one could blame the Mizukage of the time for having a screwed-up plan.
She quickly let those emotions go. Now it was different; she was the Mizukage.
"By the way, are you heading back to Konoha now?", she changed the subject.
Aoba looked at her speechlessly, "I solved such a big problem for you, do I not even have a place to sleep?"
"That's not what I mean," Terumi Mei pinched his face, "I'm worried you're in a hurry to take that rogue ninja back."
Aoba grabbed her hand, "He's already a rogue. I'm here specially to keep you company tonight. I'll leave tomorrow."
"Since that's the case…"
Terumi Mei's mouth curved, "Aoba, come back to my room with me!"
"Hm?"
———
"Hiss!"
Aoba inhaled sharply and instinctively straightened his spine.
He hadn't expected that having a Tailed Beast would also enhance this aspect of combat prowess.
Although the Three-Tails had been sealed last night, it had continuously supplied Terumi Mei with chakra, making him feel somewhat overwhelmed.
Tsunade, sitting in the Hokage seat, watched his expression and couldn't help frowning, giving a cold snort.
"Exercise restraint. Be careful of overindulgence, don't let your body become weak later."
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