Whether from a public or personal standpoint, Shibuki could not afford to treat Fū's concerns lightly.
This was not merely a matter of personal trust it directly impacted the stability of Takigakure itself.
Unlike the Five Great Nations, whose villages retained multiple high-level combatants capable of supporting the Kage even during periods of weakness, Takigakure had never fully recovered from the internal upheaval it suffered decades ago. The subsequent strain of the Shinobi World Wars had only deepened those wounds.
As a result, the village's overall strength had steadily declined.
In such circumstances, Fū's existence as the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki had become increasingly indispensable.
Takigakure could not afford to lose her.
And Shibuki, as the current leader, could not allow her to stand in opposition to him.
That would not merely be a political setback it would be a catastrophic blow to his authority.
Beyond that, there was also a personal dimension.
To Shibuki, Fū was not simply the village's ultimate weapon she was family.
He had always regarded her as a younger sister, and naturally, he hoped she would trust him… and stand beside him.
However, he also understood something equally important.
For Fū, Shibusa was no ordinary figure.
From childhood, much of her training had been conducted under his supervision. He had been a constant presence in her life not a distant superior, but someone she relied upon.
That bond could not be dismissed.
"Can I really trust you… Shibuki-nii?"
Fū's gaze remained fixed on him, her voice quiet but unwavering.
Shibuki met her eyes without hesitation.
With a solemn expression, he nodded firmly.
"Of course, Fū. I swear on my name as a shinobi everything I've said is the truth. And if Shibusa-san is willing to return… then we can sit down and resolve everything properly."
There was no evasion in his tone.
Only sincerity.
Fū studied him in silence for a moment.
Then, after that brief pause
She nodded.
"…Alright. I believe you, Shibuki-nii."
Her answer came decisively.
"Then I'll leave the matter of Uncle Shibusa to you," she continued, her tone regaining some of its usual brightness. "If you find him, let me know immediately. I want to ask him myself… why he would go this far. If there's a problem, we should be able to sit down and talk it out, right?"
Her words carried both determination and lingering confusion.
"Of course."
Shibuki exhaled quietly, relief washing over him as he replied.
"As soon as we locate him, I'll inform you immediately."
The worst-case scenario Fū rejecting him outright had been avoided.
For now, that alone was enough.
"Alright then, I'll head back," Fū said, turning lightly. "I still haven't finished today's training."
Then, as if recalling something, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder.
"Oh, right how's Elder Mizuno been lately? If he's feeling better, tell him to come watch me train. He hasn't shown up in a while. If he keeps avoiding me, I'm going to pull out that beard of his next time I see him!"
She raised a fist playfully, her expression bright once more.
Shibuki blinked in mild surprise before smiling.
"I'll pass the message along. Don't worry Elder Mizuno dotes on you the most. His condition has improved quite a bit recently. Didn't you notice the last time you saw him? Give it a few more days he'll definitely come see you."
"Mm! Good!"
Fū nodded happily.
Then she turned and left the hall.
But in the instant she turned away
No one noticed the fleeting shadow that passed through her eyes.
A trace of sadness.
Of disappointment.
It vanished almost immediately, buried beneath her usual energy as she strode out of the administrative building.
"Then, Leader-sama, I'll take my leave as well."
The young Taki-nin who had accompanied her Echizen quickly bowed before following after her.
"…Haa."
Watching Fū's retreating figure, Shibuki finally allowed himself to exhale.
For now
The situation had not spiraled out of control.
That alone felt like a small victory.
However, Ajun, standing nearby, did not share his relief.
"Leader-sama," he said cautiously, "I believe we should still monitor Fū's situation closely. Her relationship with Shibusa is… exceptional. If anything unexpected occurs "
"There won't be any 'if,' Ajun-san."
Shibuki shook his head gently.
"Fū may be young, but she understands right from wrong. I trust her judgment."
He paused briefly before continuing, his tone softening.
"And with Elder Mizuno still here, there's no need to worry. If anything, the real concern is his health. He's been worsening lately… and Shibusa's defection has only aggravated his condition. He needs time to recover."
At the mention of the elder, Shibuki's expression dimmed slightly.
Mizuno Satoru one of the last remaining veterans of Takigakure's older generation.
A contemporary of the previous leader.
For nearly thirty years, he had served as an elder, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the village's leadership across multiple transitions.
Both the previous leader and Shibuki himself had relied heavily on him.
But time had taken its toll.
Now approaching seventy, Mizuno's body was no longer what it once was.
Old injuries had begun to resurface, compounded by age.
Over the past two years, his condition had steadily declined.
Recently, he had even hovered on the brink of death.
Though he had temporarily recovered, the shock of Shibusa's defection had nearly caused a relapse.
The village's medical-nin had issued strict warnings:
He was to rest.
No disturbances.
No stress.
And so, his true condition had been kept hidden.
Only a select few were aware of how fragile his state truly was.
Shibuki's earlier reassurance to Fū had not been entirely truthful.
But it had been well-intentioned.
He did not want to burden her further.
Especially now.
Her training her synchronization with the Seven-Tails, Chōmei was entering a critical phase.
Any emotional instability could prove dangerous.
For her.
And for the village.
"…The priority remains Shibusa," Shibuki said at last, regaining his composure. "Contact the daimyō and request an expansion of the search range. If necessary, we'll seek assistance from other hidden villages."
"Yes, Leader-sama."
Ajun nodded firmly.
After bowing, he turned and departed swiftly.
Silence settled over the hall once more.
Shibuki remained seated, his gaze lowering slightly.
Shibusa…
Why would you do this?
Is the position of leader truly that important…?
The question lingered.
Unanswered.
WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 254 ON PATREON.
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