Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

"This pattern has persisted since the Second Hokage's era. By the Third Hokage's reign, it shifted. The Uchiha clan's opinions were disregarded entirely, as they were deemed untrustworthy. The Hyuga clan, despite their power, didn't cooperate with village reforms, so their voice was marginalized too."

"Other families and individuals? They've grown silent over time for various reasons."

"Now, the power to make meaningful decisions lies solely with the Hokage faction. Yet, here we are, lamenting that high-level meetings have become silent. Isn't that ironic?"

Nara Shikashin rubbed his face, visibly distressed, and stared intently at his teacup as though it held answers to his pain. Mitokado Homura twitched at the corners of his mouth, avoiding eye contact. Utatane Koharu opened her mouth to speak but promptly shut it, deciding it was wiser to stay silent.

The Third Hokage's face darkened considerably as Shinki continued. "In addition to decision-making authority, high-ranking members also have exclusive rights tied to the village's governance. My question is—where have those rights gone?"

"This isn't what I wanted…" the Third Hokage began defensively, his tone faltering as though attempting to convince himself as much as his audience.

"Oh? Was it Shimura Danzo, then?" Shinki asked with a sharp smile, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

The Hokage fell silent. This excuse had been used so often it had become threadbare.

Shinki dropped his smile and leaned forward, his voice taking on a solemn tone. "Everyone has selfish motives. If I were in your position, I'd probably want the high-level group to reflect my own voice as well. But if I did that, I'd own up to it. I'd shoulder the consequences, instead of acting indecisive and hoping others would clean up the mess."

"This kind of behavior is unacceptable—it's shameful. Truly."

He gestured broadly, his voice rising with conviction. "Take today's meeting as an example. Iwagakure has already launched a war against Kumogakure. As their allies, what other choice do we have but to fight? Since avoidance isn't an option, we should have had a plan ready by now. Instead, we hold silent meetings where no one speaks for fear of blame. What's the point of such gatherings?"

Shinki's words struck like thunder. He turned to Koharu, raising an eyebrow. Her face flushed red with anger and embarrassment.

Mitokado Homura, sensing the danger of becoming a scapegoat himself, kept his head bowed.

The Third Hokage sat in silence, visibly shaken. His years of decision-making suddenly felt flawed. Doubt gnawed at him—had he truly made the wrong choices?

Shinki wasn't done. "Reputation is important, but obsessing over it to the point of paralysis? That's dangerous. Look at Onoki. He's a stubborn old man with a poor reputation, yet he's still a capable Tsuchikage. The Third Raikage is widely regarded as a reckless barbarian, but his leadership is unquestioned. Even the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, is a ruthless butcher—yet he commands his village."

"Reputation alone doesn't make or break leadership. Villagers care about results. Can you bring them peace, prosperity, and protection? That's what matters."

He paused, letting his words sink in, then delivered the final blow. "If you're going to hold high-level meetings where no one dares to speak, just skip them. Lock the Hokage's office door and deliberate among yourselves. And don't bring me into this war—I have enough on my plate with the ANBU. If you insist, I'll gladly recommend the Shimura clan for the frontlines."

With that, Shinki stood, bowed mockingly, and made his way out. "Good luck with your headache."

As the door closed behind him, the Third Hokage sat in stunned silence, his mind churning with doubts and regret. Shinki's blunt truths cut deep.

After the Meeting

Shinki returned home to find Kushina sprawled lazily on the sofa, looking utterly defeated.

As soon as the door opened, she sprang up, leaping toward him like a missile.

"Shinki!" she called, her voice filled with excitement.

Without thinking, Shinki raised his arms, catching her mid-air. "Aren't you afraid of falling? When did you get back?" he asked, his tone laced with mild exasperation.

Kushina grinned, clinging tightly to his neck. "Not long ago! I stopped for food on my way home."

Despite her antics, Shinki wasn't in the mood to indulge her. He gently but firmly deposited her back onto the sofa, heading to the fridge to grab water. Handing her a bottle, he asked, "Alright, what mischief have you been up to this time?"

Kushina stuck out her tongue playfully, twisting the cap off her water. She enjoyed teasing Shinki but knew he wasn't entirely wrong to ask. After all, she had a habit of getting herself into trouble.

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]