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"Xiao Ming, what do you think of this matter?"

In the Terumi Family's council chamber, there were only three people: Mei Terumi, Ao, and Terumi Yu.

The sunlight after the rain shone through the window onto Mei Terumi's face, but it seemed unable to dispel the resentment on her face.

After learning the whole story, Terumi Yu fell silent immediately, and this scene made her understand Terumi Yu's meaning.

But she still wanted to give it a try...

"Elder, that person must be a spy from another ninja village. We should immediately report to the Fourth Hokage and adjust our battle plan as soon as possible to avoid unforeseen losses to the village..."

Mei Terumi slowly exhaled, her eyes fixed on Terumi Yu's seemingly calm and expressionless face.

"Hmm... not bad, Xiao Ming, you've always had a heart that loves the village since you were little. It seems I wasn't wrong about you after all..."

Qing took a small sip of tea, then looked up at Terumi Yu. Before he could speak, Terumi Yu raised his hand to stop him from saying anything.

"However... there's no need to rush this matter. Besides, it involves the family, so we can't act rashly. We should first send someone to investigate the background of this Autumn Water Trading Company in detail. If they are indeed involved in treason, we will certainly not let them off the hook, even if it affects the family's reputation."

"But how can your guesses alone convince anyone at this moment?"

Mei Terumi remained silent with her head down. Terumi Yu seemed to understand what she was thinking and couldn't help but sigh.

"Xiao Ming, you must understand, although the Terumi House is large and powerful, as the saying goes, when one whale falls, all the others rise up to chase after it... The higher you stand, the more people will want you to fall, even if they have never crossed paths with you, have no grudges against you..."

"Beyond these walls, countless eyes are watching closely. The higher the position, the more cautious one must be in their words and actions..."

"I understand... I was reckless..."

Exhaling a heavy breath, Mei Terumi raised her head and calmly looked at Terumi Yu.

"It's good that you understand. You don't need to worry about this anymore. I'll send someone to investigate secretly..."

"Yes!"

Mei Terumi nodded, then looked at Ao, who stood silently to the side like a statue, not uttering a word.

The council chamber of the Terumi Family fell silent. The espionage seemed to have vanished completely, as if it had never happened.

War, secret talks, conspiracies; situation, methods, darkness—these words have always been intertwined.

The Hozuki Clan's territory is heavily guarded, with sentries every few steps. The Hōzuki Clan, which was already small in number, has almost all its members gathered here.

Although this wasn't the first clan meeting, it still made everyone's gaze serious, because the last clan meeting was held on the eve of the Fourth Mizukage's inauguration...

"The Fourth Hokage is getting serious..."

"It's clear that since taking office, this person has gradually become more ambitious and increasingly uncomfortable with our three families..."

"Now is the time to seize the opportunity. If we achieve a great victory, we will gain enough prestige that he cannot remain indifferent..."

Inside the council chamber, three elders and the leading figures of the younger generation sat around a round table, casually discussing matters. The rest of the clansmen sat around them, some nodding, some listening attentively, and others speaking up when they had opinions.

The Hozuki Clan, with its small population, seems to be somewhat different from other clans in the Shinobi World. Although they are few in number, they are exceptionally united, much like one big family.

The Hozuki family is like an ironclad clan with ever-changing leaders. Everyone here understands what the Hōzuki Clan relies on. Since the family promoted Hozuki Gengetsu to the position of the Second Mizukage, the Hōzuki Clan has risen to the forefront of all the major families in Mist Shinobi. Even though he died in battle, the family has remained standing for decades.

If the younger generation of the three major families hadn't yet matured, Karatachi Yagura would probably never have had the chance to Mizukage.

The fourth generation, who was originally only supported as a transitional measure, gradually developed too many ulterior motives...

"Therefore, my Hōzuki Clan cannot allow it to grow too powerful, but we also cannot allow it to jeopardize the family's interests..."

"Let the full moon go..."

Elder Hozuki's words silenced the entire council hall, and everyone's eyes turned to Hozuki Mangetsu, who sat quietly to the side without saying a word.

"What the Grand Elder means is..."

"It's good that Karatachi Yagura wants to gain military merit and establish the Mizukage's prestige, but it's also our opportunity. As long as Mangetsu can gain enough military merit and prestige in the war, he can eliminate the problem of his lack of seniority. At that time, no one will be able to say anything..."

"Full moon! Do you understand the family's expectations for you!"

Upon hearing the elder's words, the white-haired youth suddenly opened his eyes, a smile appearing on his lips.

"So, they've finally agreed to let me go to the battlefield...?"

"I can't wait any longer!"

Hozuki Mangetsu

"Indeed... the Hozuki Clan also needs a descendant who will be renowned throughout the Shinobi World, so that our clan's prestige can once again resound!"

"Alright! For this expedition, Mangetsu will lead the vanguard of my Hozuki Clan. Hozuki Yeyue and Hozuki Yuanyue, you two will go together..."

"If there is an opponent beyond our power, like Yellow Flash, preserving our lives is our first priority..."

"Do you understand?"

Elder Hozuki glanced subtly at Hozuki Mangetsu, while Hozuki Yeyue and Hozuki Yuanyue understood each other's intentions and clasped their hands in agreement.

"Yes, Elder! I would gladly die for you!"

"Good!"

"The matter is settled. If there's nothing else, let's adjourn the meeting and go make your preparations..."

"Yes!"

The rustling footsteps gradually faded away, leaving only the three elders remaining in the council hall, exchanging glances as if waiting for the eldest elder to speak.

"Clear moon, secluded moon..."

"Brother Mingyue..."

"More than thirty years have passed..."

Elder Hozuki Meigetsu's gaunt face seemed to carry a hint of reminiscence. He and his two brothers had devoted their lives to the Hōzuki Clan, and now they were all very old.

"Yes... it's been over thirty years..."

The two elders naturally understood what Hozuki Meigetsu meant. More than thirty years had passed since the time of the Second Mizukage Gengetsu Hozuki, and in those thirty years, the Hozuki Family had not produced a single person of exceptional talent; most of them were merely of average ability.

"Big brother, don't worry, we've watched Manyue grow up. His talent and strength are no less than that little girl from the Terumi House..."

"That's natural, but the reason I'm keeping you two here today isn't because of that..."

Having put away his reminiscing thoughts, Hozuki Meigetsu's eyes seemed to hold a touch of solemnity.

"The Kaguya Clan has been causing some trouble lately..."

"What are these lunatics trying to do now?"

Could it be...?

Hozuki Seigetsu frowned as he looked at Hozuki Meigetsu, seemingly wanting to confirm something.

"It shouldn't be that bad. Although the Kaguya Clan is a bunch of lunatics, thankfully there are still two old guys around, so they won't cause any major trouble for the time being..."

"However, those two old guys' Bloodline Disease seems to be getting worse... I'm afraid..."

"We need to prepare for this as soon as possible. Once those two old geezers from the Kaguya Clan relinquish their power, it will be difficult for anyone to keep them in check. And the current clan leader is an arrogant battle maniac..."

"Have you found out which member of the Kaguya Clan is planning to send to the front lines?"

Seeing Hozuki Meigetsu shake his head, Hozuki Yougetsu's brows furrowed deeply.

"With the army on the march, these lunatics are left behind in the village... I'm afraid our fourth leader won't be able to sleep well..."

"I'm thinking, what if the Fourth Hokage openly deploys a large army while secretly forcing the Kaguya Clan to rebel, and then orders us to quell the rebellion, leaving our three great families to fight amongst ourselves? What should we do then?"

"Brother, what makes you say that? Have you noticed something?"

The council chamber was eerily quiet. Hozuki Yougetsu and Hozuki Seigetsu frowned, staring intently at Hozuki Meigetsu. A howling cold wind swept through the chamber, seemingly raising goosebumps on their already wrinkled skin.

"The Anbu has disappeared..."