X: Kazekage

Sandaime Kazekage had been missing for three solid months before the search teams were finally called off. The other nations were laughing at them for both losing their kage and for searching so long, but Hirohiko couldn't and wouldn't complain. Sandaime was his uncle, and unlike his parents, he actually loved his uncle. His uncle had helped train him, and he'd always been patient and kind.

However, with the cancellation of the search came the overwhelming question: Sandaime had nominated Hirohiko to be his successor. Would the Council of Elders — which would convene with only the senior most members — and the Daimyo agree with the nomination?

Hirohiko had mixed feelings. He thought his uncle was a truly great Kazekage, probably the best they'd ever seen, and he grieved his death. He also didn't cherish following in his shoes and being judged by the value of Sandaime's performance. However, he also knew that if he were elected, his village would need him. And he wanted to strengthen Suna as quickly as possible before anyone had funny ideas about attacking while they were down.

It was late one evening when the senior-most council members met to verify the daimyo's decision. As soon as Hirohiko heard that, he began pacing the floor of Karura's and his apartment.

Karura watched him pace. "You know it'll be you."

"I know." Hirohiko wasn't sure, still, if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Suddenly, he could hear his father's voice telling him how weak and useless he was — what a failure he was.

"It'll be fine," Karura said. "You're not a failure. Don't let your father's shadow hang over you in this moment."

How well she knew him. "Right. Of course."

"You were never a failure," Karura continued. "You graduated at 9, made chuunin at 12, and made jonin at 15. You've led teams successfully ever since. You have been a success your whole life."

Hirohiko smiled at her, although he didn't stop pacing. "I worked hard."

"It paid off."

A knock came at the door. They traded looks, then went to the door together. Hirohiko slid it open.

A messenger awaited them. "Konbanwa." He bowed. "The honorable Hirohiko-sama's presence is requested in the council chamber."

Hirohiko bowed in return. "Thank you."

The messenger teleported out.

"Here we go," Hirohiko said, taking Karura's hand. They slipped on their sandals and made their way to the Kazekage Complex, climbing several flights of stairs to reach the chamber.

Releasing Karura's hand, Hirohiko entered the council chamber alone; Karura stood back in the hallway, watching from there.

Hirohiko bowed, hiding his nervousness. "Hirohiko, reporting as requested."

The Council of Elders, including Chiyo and Ebizo, gazed at him solemnly. Sitting before Chiyo on the round table was the Kazekage's hat.

"You have been summoned here because the Daimyo agrees with our assessment," Chiyo said. "You are the best candidate for Yondaime Kakekage. Do you accept the position?"

Hirohiko bowed again, although his heart skipped a beat. "I accept, Chiyo-sama."

Chiyo nodded. "Very well. I present to the Council Yondaime Kazekage."

The Council stood and bowed to Hirohiko. He bowed back.

Chiyo left her seat, carrying the hat over to Hirohiko and placing it on his head. The action seemed momentous somehow. "Robes will be delivered later this evening."

Hirohiko nodded. "Very well." He felt as though he could feel a shift of weight in the room — one toward him. Even the hat felt heavy on his head.

"In the morning, we'll announce it to the village at large and present you on the balcony," Chiyo explained. "Please be here at 10:00 for the ceremony, Kazekage-sama."

"Of course." Hirohiko's brain buzzed at the new, unfamiliar title. He'd always known he was in line for succession, but he'd imagined he'd be twice as old when he was elected.

"Then have a good night," Chiyo said.

They bowed to each other, and Hirohiko returned to the hallway, where Karura was waiting with her hands clasped.

"Congratulations," she whispered, not speaking any louder in deference to the Council. She took his hand, and they headed down the hallway. However, as soon as they were out of sight, Karura turned and hugged him instead.

Hirohiko hugged her back. "This will be an awesome responsibility," he said, a bit worried and nervous still. "The whole village is now resting on my shoulders."

"Our shoulders," Karura corrected, "because I'll be with you every step of the way — your sounding board, your listening ear, and your reality checker."

Hirohiko relaxed faintly. "Thank you."

He loved her all over again.