This clan, skilled in the Hydrification Technique, showed an astonishing affinity for the reiatsu system.
Orochimaru personally conducted their preliminary reiatsu awakening ceremony, and half the clan successfully sensed reishi.
Seeing this, the other clans followed suit.
In just one week, the power structure of the Las Noches Archipelago was completely reshuffled.
The old era of clan politics was swept into the dustbin, replaced by a new system of advancement centered on "reiatsu talent" and "loyalty."
Mei Terumi slept only three hours a day as she dealt with mountains of administrative work.
Yet she felt no fatigue. Instead, her energy only grew-the Hōgyoku crystal was continuously transforming her body, and her reiatsu increased every day.
She could feel herself growing stronger, advancing toward heights she had never dared imagine.
Liuyu, meanwhile, spent most of his time on the top floor of the former Mizukage Building, now the Eastern Palace of Las Noches.
He stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the island as it gradually shed its bloody past and began rebuilding, his eyes devoid of emotion.
"Your Majesty." Tier Harribel appeared without a sound. "Mei Terumi's loyalty has passed the preliminary test.
She executed every former subordinate who might threaten our rule, including two of her own cousins."
"Mm," Liuyu responded indifferently.
"Also, Lord Orochimaru requests permission to begin the plan to approach Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki."
"There's no rush." Liuyu turned. "Let the news of Kirigakure's change of regime spread a little longer."
He looked west, toward the Land of Fire.
"Once certain people can no longer sit still..."
"We'll proceed."
Five days later, in Konoha, in the Land of Fire.
Inside the Hokage Office, the atmosphere was thick with oppressive tension.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat in his chair, gripping a newly delivered encrypted intelligence report, his