[quote=SoleAccord]
Empire can hold power but that doesn't mean the village itself backs them. Konoha and Kiri didn't give support whatsoever, much less than them is Kumo. Going out for an hour or two.
[/quote]

So then I guess it's up to Takeo whether or not he wants to acknowledge the title. And, I don't think it's too implausible for there to be a less-than-virtuous paper-pusher who's willing to make a few Imperial promotions as a means of sucking up to the powers that be. Probably the guy who's getting fired. lol.