A Few Weeks Later — Somewhere in Iwa
Inside a lavish, high-ceilinged room adorned with rare woods and stone carvings, four elderly men gathered — the village's remaining Elders.
Since the election of the new Tsuchikage, three of them had found themselves sidelined. Arano, the young Kage, trusted only one of them: Onoki.The others were left with honorary titles and little real influence.
Today, Onoki had called for a meeting. He had no specific agenda — only a desire to speak with the few who still had some political weight in the village, even if that weight had diminished after the Second Tsuchikage's reign began.
The first to arrive was Elder Harise Ramoto.Backed by a minor clan, Harise wielded little authority and was largely viewed as a relic of a bygone era.
Shortly after, Elder Takino entered.
Takino, unlike most, had no clan lineage to bolster his name.Yet he had carved out his own influence through shrewd political maneuvering, cultivating alliances with powerful figures.He stood as the third most influential among the Elders — a testament to his cunning.
Last to arrive was Elder Aibi Shōrihana.
Aibi, a towering figure despite his age, commanded considerable sway.His true strength came from his bloodline — a Major Clan whose support granted him nearly as much power as Onoki himself.Years of political battles had sharpened Aibi into a formidable force, one that even the Tsuchikage needed to handle with care.
When all had assembled, they sat around a grand circular table.
The meeting began with sharp words.
"Why did you summon us, Onoki?" Aibi asked bluntly. "What is it you seek?"
"I stated it clearly in my letter," Onoki replied. "I simply wish to have a conversation."
"Don't treat us like fools," Aibi scoffed. "You always have an agenda."
"You haven't changed," Onoki said with a tired sigh. "It's always difficult to speak with you."
"And you are hardly easier."
"Enough," Harise interjected. "Let's hear him out first."
Takino nodded in agreement."Yes, Onoki. Speak your mind. We will listen — and then we'll have questions, of course."
"Very well."
Onoki leaned back slightly, his expression calm.
"I called this meeting because I believe we should talk, openly.On the surface, the village appears stable.But underneath, tensions between the Tsuchikage's faction and the Major Clans grow worse by the day."
Aibi smirked."Perhaps if you hadn't resorted to ruthless methods, Arano would never have become Tsuchikage. You created this tension yourself."
"I know you still resent your loss in the election," Onoki replied."But Arano is the best leader Iwagakure could have hoped for."
"The best for you, maybe," Aibi shot back. "You and your faction gained even more power. Others were not so fortunate. How easily you forget those who built this village."
Onoki's gaze hardened."Arano is the strongest shinobi Iwa has seen in generations.Stronger than any of us.He possesses an unparalleled mastery of Jinton, and his bond with the earth element surpasses all expectations.He is the pillar that will secure Iwa's future."
Takino raised a hand."Onoki, may I ask a question?"
"You may."
"Even though we are Elders, there are still matters kept from us.Why are you spending so much of the village's treasury on a secret project no one knows anything about?"
Onoki's answer was immediate — and firm.
"I am not at liberty to disclose that information.If you want answers, you must address the Tsuchikage directly."
Takino accepted the reply with a nod, but Aibi was not so easily satisfied.
"You and I both know the Tsuchikage will never reveal his secrets to us.You control the funds — you manage these so-called 'projects.'What guarantee do we have that this is not simply a ploy to enrich your faction?"
Onoki's face darkened.
"Be very careful with your accusations, Aibi.Spread such rumors, and the Tsuchikage himself will label you a traitor."
"Your constant invocation of the Tsuchikage's name only raises further questions," Aibi said coolly."One wonders who truly governs the village."
"My loyalty to Arano is absolute," Onoki snapped.
"I do not doubt your loyalty to him," Aibi replied. "But your loyalty to Iwagakure itself — that is another matter."
Onoki rose slightly from his chair, his presence heavy.
"This will be the last time you dare to question my devotion to the village.You know very well why your faction does not openly oppose us:You lack the strength.If you attempt rebellion, you will be crushed.You lack the power to challenge us — and if we so much as hear rumors of disloyalty, there will be consequences."
Thus, the meeting ended — bitter, unresolved.
The tension would not abate.The rift between the Tsuchikage's faction and the Major Clans would remain.
For now, peace held.But change in Iwa was inevitable.And whether it came through diplomacy or bloodshed depended on which side seized the future first.
Arano was young, powerful, and determined.His reign would likely last for decades — if no storm rose to consume him first.