Hearing Shigure say this, Mei Terumī finally understood his intention.
"So… you want to turn the Hidden Mist Village into a village dominated entirely by Kekkei Genkai clans?"
Shigure shook his head.
"That's impossible. Not everyone can become a Kekkei Genkai shinobi.
But increasing their numbers—and making Kekkei Genkai mainstream—is achievable."
Kekkei Genkai becoming mainstream?
People always said the Hidden Mist hated bloodline users.
But did they truly hate them?
No.
They hated their power.
The strength of Kekkei Genkai shinobi led many of them to become arrogant, seizing resources that ordinary shinobi couldn't contend with.
Over time, resentment built up, and conflict was inevitable.
However… if the number of Kekkei Genkai shinobi increased dramatically, a balance could be formed.
If everyone had a bloodline, then no one could complain about "unfair advantages."
"I also plan to establish a new shinobi squad," Shigure continued. "I've already decided on a name—the Blood Mist Organization."
Blood Mist.
Just the name alone made it sound like a unit built for killing.
Mei frowned.
"And what exactly will this organization be responsible for?"
"Anything that threatens the stability of the Hidden Mist Village."
Some matters needed to be handled by people who didn't mind getting their hands dirty.
Since he was going to become Mizukage, Shigure knew trouble would come from all directions.
Creating his own loyal force was necessary.
"How many people do you need?" Mei asked.
Shigure thought for a moment.
"Not too many for the first batch. A hundred will do."
Mei's expression twitched.
"A hundred?! Do you think elite shinobi grow on trees? You want me to find a hundred suitable ninja just like that?"
"You only need to gather them," Shigure replied calmly. "Even if they aren't absolutely loyal, I have a way to screen them."
He suddenly remembered Gluttony's devouring ability.
If he devoured someone without fully absorbing them—couldn't he force a loyalty chain?
Great Sage… after I devour someone, will they… truly become part of me?
[Great Sage: Not necessarily. The first step of Devour is storing the target in the stomach. The host may choose to completely devour and absorb them—or simply analyze them and release them. The latter creates a food-chain dominance link.]
Perfect.
"Just choose the right people. Leave the rest to me," Shigure said confidently.
Mei hesitated.
"Are you sure?"
If ninja granted bloodline powers weren't loyal, it could be catastrophic.
But Shigure gave her a reassuring look.
After that, he glanced at the sky.
It was getting late. Time for dinner and sleep.
"Aren't you going to work?" he asked. "Didn't you have tasks today?"
Mei waved dismissively.
"Not important. I'll ask Ao to select the candidates immediately. Have them all gathered by tomorrow."
She watched him walk toward the house.
"What are you going to do now?"
Shigure paused.
"Eat."
"Oh good, I'm hungry too. I'll join you."
After dinner, Shigure headed upstairs.
"What now?" Mei asked again.
Shigure nearly stumbled.
"Bath. Then sleep."
"Sleep?" Mei's lips curved.
"You've grown into quite the adult without noticing. You don't look twelve at all."
"It's probably because of the Tailed Beast. I developed faster," Shigure replied casually.
Mei's eyes sparkled.
"Really? Then I should check properly."
Check?
Is she insane?!
Shigure stared at her.
"You're the Mizukage. Please act like one."
"So what? I'm also single. Finding a good man is part of my mission!" she said shamelessly.
Shigure gave up. This woman… truly obsessed with marriage.
And so—
That night, he learned he had underestimated Mei Terumī.
"Don't you have your own room?" Shigure asked stiffly.
"Go sleep in your own room!"
"This is my house. I can sleep wherever I want."
"…Don't move."
Mei leaned in closer.
"You really are handsome up close. If you weren't underage, your big sister would've taken you already."
"…"
The Next Morning
In the courtyard, a hundred shinobi stood in neat rows, waiting for Shigure.
Ao handed him a list.
"These are the hundred I selected."
But his expression was… strange.
When he arrived earlier, Shigure and Mei Terumī had walked out of the same room.
Did they… sleep together?
Shigure noticed the look and sighed.
"Alright, go handle your duties, Ao."
Ao nodded, though his eyes still held suspicion.
After Ao left, Shigure lifted his hand and snapped his fingers.
In the next instant, the surrounding mist surged outward, spreading rapidly until it formed a Mist Cage, sealing off the entire courtyard.
The Kirigakure shinobi immediately grew tense.
What was this technique?
Why were they being trapped?
Shigure raised his hand calmly.
"Don't panic."
"Today is a fortunate day for all of you."
"Because starting now… you will obtain power—power beyond anything you've known."
He let the words sink in before continuing.
"But before that, I need to ask something."
"Is there anyone here who doesn't want strength? Anyone who doesn't wish to grow stronger?"
"If so… you may leave now."
Shigure looked over the hundred shinobi assembled before him.
Not a single one stepped forward.
Of course not.
Every shinobi longed for strength—especially here, in the Bloody Mist.
"Good," Shigure said, a faint smile forming.
"Then let's begin."
He extended his hand. Black, viscous matter spread outward like a living shadow.
Gluttony… devour them.
Boom!
In an instant, Gluttony swept across the entire formation, engulfing all hundred shinobi.
One by one, they vanished into its depths, leaving only swirling mist behind.
Inside his mind, the food chain began forming—links of dominance that connected each devoured shinobi to him.
Besides Shikotsumyaku… I can grant them even more. The Senju physique is excellent material as well.
Shigure's expression carried a satisfied curve.
After today, he would have his first elite unit within the Hidden Mist.
And once his power base solidified…
The title of Mizukage could finally move from possibility to inevitability.
Meanwhile, in Konoha
Hiruzen Sarutobi had finally awakened following his surgery.
The moment he regained clarity, fury surged through him as he recalled Danzō's actions—the schemes, the manipulation, the ruthless pursuit of power.
"Danzō…" Hiruzen growled, anger shaking his voice.
"You cannot become Hokage. I forbid it."
"Konoha's next Hokage can only be Tsunade."
He drew in a breath and spoke clearly, decisively:
"I hereby designate Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure!"
...
TN:
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