Pyro of the Craven

Chapter-33: Government's Collapse

The council room bristled with tension as one brave council member dared to voice the question that hung heavy in the air. "Shabari," he began, his voice tinged with curiosity, "are you not from the esteemed Volimiri family, a long lineage of Shinwa?"

Shabari, her countenance calm and confident, acknowledged her heritage without hesitation. "Indeed, I am a descendant of the Volimiri family, and my roots lie deep within the Shinwa traditions."

As the council members questioned Shabari's allegiance and expressed their doubts, she met each argument with poise and conviction. One council member raised a skeptical brow and challenged her, "Why would a noble of the Volimiri family, deeply rooted in Shinwa traditions, turn against her own kind?"

Shabari's response was measured, her voice unwavering. "I do not turn against my heritage, but rather, I embrace it. It is because of my profound connection to the Shinwa ways that I stand here today. I have seen firsthand the devastation wrought by the unyielding pursuit of power within our own ranks. I seek to bring an end to the endless cycle of conflict, to protect the lives of the innocent who suffer the consequences of our battles."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances. Shabari's words struck a chord, tapping into their shared fears and doubts.

Another council member voiced concern about the upheaval such a shift would bring. "Aligning with Kaigen would mean a drastic change in our government and way of life. How can we be certain it will be better?"

Supreme, his voice calm and persuasive, stepped forward. "Change is always accompanied by uncertainty, but it is also the crucible in which progress is forged. The current government, while steadfast in its beliefs, has failed to bring an end to the strife that plagues our nation. We offer a vision of unity and stability, a chance to break free from the cycle of violence. We must not let fear of the unknown paralyze us from pursuing a brighter future."

A council member raised concerns about the potential backlash from loyalists to the Shinwa government. "There will be those who vehemently oppose such an alignment. How can we ensure that our nation remains united?"

Shabari, ever the diplomat, addressed the issue head-on. "Unity is born from understanding and cooperation. We do not seek to suppress opposing voices but to engage in open dialogue. The path to unity may be challenging, but it is one we are committed to walking. By working together, we can bridge the divides that have torn our nation asunder."

Supreme added, "It is essential to remember that our goal is not to replace one form of oppression with another but to create a society where all voices are heard and valued."

With each argument and counterargument, Supreme and Shabari painted a picture of a Zelkova free from the shadows of war, where citizens could live without fear, and the nation could flourish. Their responses were strategically designed to highlight the flaws in the existing government, emphasizing its inability to bring about lasting peace.

The discussions within the council room became a political battleground, where ideas clashed and ideologies were challenged. Supreme and Shabari's responses were filled with nuance and eloquence, seeking to appeal to the council members' desire for a better future.

The council members were visibly torn. Loyalty to the government was deeply ingrained, but the promise of an end to the ceaseless bloodshed was a tantalizing prospect.

Hours passed, and the council room became a battlefield of words and ideas. Supreme and Shabari expertly maneuvered the discourse, slowly but surely chipping away at the council members' resistance.

Finally, as dawn's first light crept through the windows, a weary council member stood. "I believe we have much to consider," he said, his voice weary yet resolute. "It is clear that our nation cannot endure more of the same. We must explore this new path to peace."

His sentiment was met with nods of agreement, and a palpable shift in the room's atmosphere signaled a turning point. The government, once staunchly opposed to Kaigen, now wavered on the brink of alignment.

Supreme's gaze locked onto Shabari, a silent acknowledgment of their successful political maneuvering. The council members, once resolute in their loyalty to the government, were now poised on the precipice of change.

As the council members departed, a lingering silence settled over the room. The fate of Zelkova had taken an unexpected turn, and the shadows of uncertainty gave way to the faint glimmer of hope.

Supreme, his voice cold and calculating, delivered the final, chilling words. "Dear council members, align with Kaigen, and help us forge a new destiny for this country."

Across the country, Ryoshis and citizens alike were swept into a whirlwind of discussions, debates, and emotions. In Nuville City, where Principal Vasuda and the other school leaders had just heard the announcement, shock and disbelief painted their expressions.

Principal Vasuda, her normally composed demeanor shaken, murmured to herself, "Such a drastic decision..."

Principal Amara, chimed in, "It's going to change everything, for better or worse."

Elsewhere, Prof. Isayama, at the NES, added, "The consequences of this will be profound."

Meanwhile, in the midst of a heated discussion at a Kaigen camp on the frontlines, soldiers celebrated their newfound alignment with the government. They raised their voices in jubilation, toasting to a future without the constant shadow of war.

One soldier exclaimed, "Finally, we win!"

Another, with a grin on his face, declared, "The Shinwa are done for!"

But in Shinwa strongholds, the news was met with shock and confusion. Shinwa leaders struggled to come to terms with the abrupt change, and Shinwa warriors debated the implications.

One Shinwa muttered to his comrade, "How did this happen? Our government, our way of life..."

His companion responded, "We have to decide, fight for the old ways or accept this new reality."

In the streets of cities and towns, citizens engaged in passionate conversations about the government's decision. Some supported the shift, hoping for a more peaceful future, while others clung to tradition and questioned the uncertainty ahead.

A vendor at a bustling market opined, "Change might be what we need to end this suffering."

A retired Shinwa, however, sighed and said, "It's hard to let go of the past, even if it's been filled with strife."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, an official announcement echoed through the streets from loudspeakers strategically placed across the nation. The voice, resolute and unwavering, declared, "Every Shinwa is now a criminal of the Nation and is wanted."

The announcement reverberated through the air, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of every citizen. The nation teetered on the precipice of transformation, its future uncertain and the consequences of this seismic shift echoing in the hearts of all who called Zelkova home.