"Seize a Daimyō's position..."
Xuandou murmured to himself.
After considering it from every angle, the Land of Hot Water was still the most suitable of all the countries in the Shinobi World.
Adachi Yuto, the Daimyō of the Land of Hot Water, was already controlled by Kotoamatsukami and was his most loyal puppet.
But how to "seize" the Daimyō's position still required careful planning.
He absolutely could not let anyone see that the Uchiha were pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Otherwise, not only would the other great nations react, but even some people within the country might not accept it.
He needed a legitimate, unassailable justification.
Xuandou's mind raced.
In theory, the nobles of the Land of Hot Water did have the right to inherit the Daimyō's position!
He already had a plan in mind.
First, he summoned Hozuki Mangetsu.
The silver-haired boy had now grown into a composed young man.
Wearing an Uchiha Anbu uniform, he entered the office and dropped to one knee.
"Clan Head Xuandou."
Xuandou nodded and motioned for him to rise.
"Mangetsu, it's time to fulfill the promise I made to Mei Terumi."
"Return to Kirigakure immediately. Your mission is to gather the surviving members of the Hozuki Clan, rebuild the clan, and support Mei Terumi in securing her position as Mizukage."
Hozuki Mangetsu paused in slight surprise, then nodded.
"Yes. Lady Mei Terumi helped my brother and me escape our enemies' clutches back then. I have never forgotten that debt."
Xuandou looked at him and added pointedly:
"Manage the Hōzuki Family well and build your own prestige."
"Perhaps after Mei Terumi steps down someday, you'll have a chance to become the next Mizukage."
Something flickered in Hozuki Mangetsu's eyes at those words.
He said nothing, merely falling silent for a moment before bowing