After returning to the estate, Shinichi dispelled his Transformation Technique and met Hiruko, who had been brought in by a Shadow Clone, in the secret chamber.
Hiruko was studying a section of pale bone with great interest.
"You really have no moral bottom line."
Shinichi spoke coldly, a trace of disgust flashing through his eyes. "You dig up graves and disturb tombs, not even sparing the dead their peace."
Hiruko looked up, a sickly smile appearing on his pale face. "Morality? It is nothing more than shackles the weak use to bind the strong. Science requires sacrifice, and the dead... are the experimental materials least likely to resist."
Suppressing his discomfort, Shinichi changed the subject. "Did you find anything? The Hozuki Clan should turn into water after death."
"Most of them did liquefy,"
Hiruko excitedly raised the bone. "But this remnant retained unusual chakra pathways. My Chimera Technique is analyzing them. Perhaps it can recreate the secret of the Hydrification Technique. By the way, what do you want me to do next?"
Shinichi gave no answer.
He would not reveal his true plan to this madman—using his identity as the Third Elder to spread rumors, sow discord within the Hidden Mist, and gather intelligence on the Three-Tails.
As for Hiruko, he was merely a useful pawn.
"Keep a low profile for now," Shinichi warned. "The Hidden Mist is already under lockdown. I'll arrange for you to hide here temporarily."
Meanwhile, Genji, Mei Terumi, and Ao were holding a secret discussion in the First Elder's private reception room.
"The rumors are spreading more and more," Ao said, the veins around his Byakugan bulging. "The villagers are starting to believe that Lord Mizukage has been controlled by us."
Mei Terumi lightly bit her lip. "The news came from the Third Elder's side.