Stance

Seeing the hurried Chang pour out all the information about the clan, Bai Mo calmly poured two cups of tea and asked with some doubt:

"So, what brings you here? Do you want me to slaughter all those so-called elders?"

Chang choked. She hadn't really thought too much about it, but in her moment of extreme anxiety, Bai Mo was the only person she could think of who could help them and was absolutely trustworthy.

She took a deep breath and knelt on one knee, but Bai Mo lifted her up halfway with a force. Bai Mo sighed softly and frowned, saying:

"You guys, stop kneeling down all the time."

Seeing that Shang was about to speak, Bai Mo raised his hand to stop her, and then said, "I cannot and will not give you the power to go on a killing spree and be executed, thereby solving all problems, whether it's killing the opposing elders of Mochizuki or Takeda."

Seeing that Bai Mo had spoken what she wanted to say first, Chang was somewhat surprised.

"You have the power to read minds? Even something like that."

"First of all, your purpose is not hard to guess; for you, this is indeed the only way. Secondly, I do know how, and Chiyome should know how too, so you are worrying blindly; playing politics with her is completely meaningless."

Hearing Bai Mo's words, Mochizuki Mo's eyes widened suddenly, then she lowered her head and muttered to herself, "Even in this state, she still says she's not a god..."

As the finger-blade struck, Chang covered her head, grimacing as she replied, "But even if you can read minds, it's meaningless, isn't it? Those elders are indeed acting for the sake of the Mochizuki Clan, standing on the side of righteousness. How is the leader going to deal with this?"

"The greater good... silly girl, those who truly opposed it 'died' on the day of defeat."

Looking at the foolish gaze reflected in Chang's eyes, Bai Mo shook his head. He placed his hand on Enlil's divine core on his chest and said with a smile:

"Fine, it's true that you might get frustrated because you're not good with words. I happen to be testing this thing recently, so let's see how it works. Try to recall which famous ninjas your Mochizuki Clan has; I don't want to go through your memories."

As the power surged and electricity swirled, a gentle breeze, like that depicted in a painter's brushstrokes, rose and took human form.

Inside the Mochizuki Clan's mansion, several people dressed in neat, loose-fitting clothes sat on the edge of the main room. Their faces were old and sallow, with the marks of time left on them by the sun and wind, and many even had several knife scars.

Some sat silently to the side, but most were launching a fierce attack on Chiyome in front of them.

"Are you planning to surrender without a fight? We trusted you so much, making you our leader, and this is your choice? What about all the suffering we've endured?"

"They actually agreed to reconcile with Takeda? What was I thinking? I thought the Mochizuki Clan was united, but I never expected that our leader would be the most cowardly of all. You have disgraced our ancestors! Do you deserve this divine power?"

"If you surrender, please forgive me for no longer being able to call such a woman your leader!"

Chiyome did not answer these questions; at this moment, she was completely indifferent to them.

Her gaze was low, and in the eyes of these senior, respected, and old-fashioned men, this Divine Marriage Bride and leader of the Mochizuki Clan was still the same submissive and obedient little girl she once was.

However, this was not the case. Chiyome harbored doubts, and she fell into deep suspicion regarding the so-called "Mochizuki."

Ever since the day she came into contact with the snake's molt, the curse on Chiyome had tormented her all night, but afterwards, she felt that the power within her seemed to have grown stronger.

At the same time, when you focus your mind, you can perceive the emotions of others, and even their thoughts.

It was precisely because of this that Chiyome was confident she could thrive in the Takeda Clan. It was only natural that the elders would oppose it; this wasn't a new phenomenon.

This time, however, Chiyome heard not only their objections but also their underlying motives. These two conflicting opinions left her with mixed feelings.

If we surrender like this, wouldn't the land I fought so hard to acquire be handed over to Takeda every year? My previous instigation will surely be exposed, and then I'm afraid all these assets will be confiscated!

Damn it, I'm not good at ninjutsu to begin with, and I finally managed to become a senior retainer. If I surrender to Takeda, I probably won't even be able to teach ninjas... I'll just be dismissed then, I can't surrender even if it means death.

After surrendering, they'll definitely search me. Damn it, I used to sell Takeda intelligence to the Tokugawa Clan, sold Takeda supplies to the Uesugi Clan during the war, and even corresponded with Oda Nobunaga's men... I can't surrender, even if it means death!

Chiyome took a deep breath upon hearing these words, and suddenly felt an absurd urge to laugh.

If I hadn't obtained this power, I would never have imagined that you old fogies had so many secrets. Chiyome thought to herself, feeling deeply exhausted at the same time.

These so-called elders, in the end, all said they were doing it for the sake of the Mochizuki, but none of them really thought that way.

Are these the same honorary elders who lectured me on family values when I was a child?

Although she was often criticized, Chiyome always listened humbly, believing that her lack of experience was to be expected. But now, with the ability to read minds, these high-sounding words sounded like the barking of dogs to her.

The contrast was too great, Chiyome couldn't help but laugh, not only at these old fogies, but also at her past self. But when those arrogant elders saw this, they almost stood up and pointed their fingers at her, roaring.

"What are you laughing at? What's so funny? Our family is about to be destroyed. Do you really think Takeda Shingen would accept us?"

Mochizuki Chiyome, you are too naive, too foolish! Do you think that by sitting on the throne of the family head and obtaining this power, you have control over everything and can disregard us?

You're just a young woman who received gifts she didn't deserve! You're so naive; you know absolutely nothing!

In the end, you still thought of relying on other men. Sure enough, this position shouldn't have been given to you, shouldn't have been given to you; you have absolutely no honor whatsoever!

The old man raised his voice, stood up, and pointed at Chiyome, completely unaware that Chiyome knew all his plans and saw him as nothing more than a clown.

Noisy things.

Chiyome's gaze sharpened. Enduring the old man's pointing and whispering, she retorted:

"So, what's your solution?"

"You're asking me? You're the one who holds the power, you're the one who possesses the strength, yet you come to me? It seems you're truly unfit for this position!"

Sometimes, while certain forces bring help, they also bring a strange feeling, which Chiyome herself did not realize. At this moment, she gradually stopped regarding herself and the creatures in front of her as the same kind of beings.

But we must persuade this hypocritical old man. This old dog has been eating rice for so many years without any real influence or prestige; if we want to consider the Mochizuki Clan's interests, convincing him is essential...

Just as Chiyome was trying to calm herself down and think things through, a gust of wind blew in from outside.

The old Chiyome as if he had seen a ghost and sat down on the ground with a thud, unable to stop himself from backing away. Chiyome immediately felt a familiar sense of relief.

Behind her stood a semi-transparent figure composed of qi. Clad in Chiyome, the figure exuded an imposing aura, and all the high-ranking officials present stared at him with fear and awe.

"Kyūdayū... Chief, weren't you dead?"

Many people recognized this guy; he was none other than the former powerful and prestigious leader of the Mochizuki Clan.

The man with the powerful aura glanced coldly at the old man on the ground, then silently drew the sword from Chiyome's waist. He slowly spoke:

"For Mochizuki? Mochizuki has already been defeated. I thought all the loyalists of Mochizuki had either retired or committed suicide. Since you are so courageous, how about you take the lead?"

A bunch of scoundrels, selfish and self-serving scoundrels. For their own benefit, they not only prolong their lives but also intend to sacrifice their people to satisfy their own desires?

I think you've been wearing these fancy clothes for so long that you've forgotten what the rough cloth of a ninja feels like.

You all deserve to die...

Before long, the old-fashioned but very applicable 'ancestral miracle' drama came to an end. Those elders, who were like victorious roosters before, now looked like drenched dogs after being soaked in the rain, and slunk away.

The transformed energy of Kyūdayū patted Chiyome on the shoulder, offering words of advice like an elder:

"They're protecting their own interests, while you're protecting everyone's lives. You're far more remarkable than these freeloaders. Hold your head high."

Chiyome looked at "Mochizuki Kyūdayū" in front of her, but her expression was not that of someone who had been given a great responsibility. Instead, she revealed a gentle and serene smile.

"Mochizuki Chiyome, I will obey your command."

Inside the clinic, Bai Mo put away Enlil's divine core and nodded.

"The effect is better than I expected. Combining the strength of the Magnetic Field Power with the advantages of Magecraft, it certainly has many merits. But it is also limited by the upper limit of Magecraft."

Bai Mo raised his hand, and a sphere resembling the Heaven and Earth Sea Tiger Sword appeared in his palm. He then waved his hand to disperse it.

"It's better than nothing."

By this time, Mochizuki Mo had already been sent away. Kenshin that Bai Mo was still unwilling to leave, Kenshin left behind a small golden tower, then kicked Takeda Shingen in the corner twice before leaving through the main gate.

Afterwards, Bai Mo returned the healed Takeda Shingen to his original place, went back to the pharmacy, opened the back door, and returned to Shiki's place. However, not long after, the empty clinic door was knocked on again, and seeing no response, a figure entered through the window.

Looking at the empty clinic, Chiyome opened the back door of the bedroom, but all she saw was an empty bedroom.

"Isn't she here? I thought she was taking a nap..."

Where this door leads is entirely up to Shi. Without her permission, it's just an ordinary door. Many people come and go from this room, but only when Bai Mo returns will he open the door and arrive at Shi's place.

Bai Mo doesn't usually stay in the back room. Firstly, when he wants to rest, opening the door still leads to Shiki's residence. Secondly, when Shiki previously allowed the ninjas to receive treatment in the back room, he stated:

"If you're tired, come back and rest. Since it's being used as a backup medical room, it's probably better to only use that bed for patients."

Bai Mo didn't understand why Shi would care about such trivial matters, and simply took it as something she said casually.

Now, Chiyome looked at the clean, simple white bed and silently closed the back door.

"He said he only knew how to do medical work, but he still came to help. Surprisingly, he wasn't being honest, haha."

As she spoke, Chiyome took a deep breath and murmured, "Have you been drinking? I thought you were completely detached from worldly affairs. Well, that's good. This sake tastes really good."

She unconsciously sat on the edge of the bed, closed her eyes, and quietly savored the tranquility of the small room. There were no noisy family affairs, no troublesome ninja missions, only soft sunlight and a dried bed.

Then, somewhat reluctantly, she got up and sighed softly, "It's still better here."