The Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's expression remained unchanged, his tone carrying a hint of respect: "We must thank Lord Yūto and Lady Mizukage for their help in this matter. If the Hozuki Clan is ever needed in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."
Mei Terumī chuckled softly. With just a slight thought, she could roughly guess the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's little scheme.
However, this was exactly what she wanted.
"Speaking of which, there is indeed something that requires the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's help." Mei Terumī said with a charming smile, looking at the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief.
The Ghost Lamp Clan Chief was startled, but his expression remained unchanged. He glanced at the three ninja swords on the table, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.
"The Village plans to re-establish the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. After much thought, I believe the Hozuki Clan is best suited to oversee this matter."
"After all, there have always been members of the Hozuki Clan among the past Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and regarding the research of these seven swords, I don't think anyone in the Village understands them better than your clan." Mei Terumī said softly, looking at the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief.
After speaking, Mei Terumī didn't wait for the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's reaction and clapped her hands softly.
Whoosh!
A black shadow instantly appeared beside Mei Terumī.
"Call that guy Chōjūrō over," Mei Terumī said indifferently.
The black shadow nodded slightly, then disappeared the next moment.
The Ghost Lamp Clan Chief lowered his eyes slightly, pretending not to see the black shadow.
Mei Terumī seemed to be discussing it with him just now, but in reality, it was just a notification.
However, this matter had no downsides for the Hozuki Clan; on the contrary, it had some implicit benefits for them.
After a brief thought, the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief came to a conclusion.
Suigetsu Hozuki, standing by, his eyes constantly darting around, felt a lot of pressure standing beside the two important figures.
The man who brought him here seemed to have a very unusual identity. Even the Clan Chief called him Lord Yūto, and he seemed to be an Elder of the Village.
Aren't Elders the sensei?
He had only been away for a few years, and the entire Mist Ninja Village had changed so much, even the Elders had changed…
However, the name Yūto felt somewhat familiar to Suigetsu Hozuki, but he couldn't recall where he had heard it.
Wait!
The First Mizukage also seemed to be named Yūto!
Suddenly recalling the stories he heard as a child, Suigetsu Hozuki's eyes widened sharply.
"Eh!!!"
Suigetsu Hozuki couldn't help but let out a surprised gasp, but the next moment he realized something and quickly covered his mouth with both hands.
Unfortunately, it was too late. The sudden gasp in the originally quiet office inevitably attracted attention.
Two gazes fell upon him, causing cold sweat to break out on Suigetsu Hozuki's forehead.
Mei Terumī raised an eyebrow, a look of amusement flashing in her eyes as she looked at the somewhat flustered Suigetsu Hozuki.
Mei Terumī seemed to see another figure, a genius named Hohzuki Mangetsu.
A genius known as "the prodigy beloved by ninja swords," who could skillfully wield all seven ninja swords.
Unfortunately, the Ninja World never lacked geniuses, and dead geniuses were no longer considered geniuses.
The Ghost Lamp Clan Chief glanced at Suigetsu Hozuki and said indifferently, "When we return to the clan, I have a lot to talk to you about."
Hearing the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's words, Suigetsu Hozuki swallowed hard, his face filled with sorrow.
Thump! Thump!
Not long after, a knock sounded, and Chōjūrō walked in with a puzzled expression.
When he saw the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief and Suigetsu Hozuki in the room, Chōjūrō was slightly stunned, and the confusion in his eyes deepened.
"Lady Mizukage," Chōjūrō said respectfully as he walked to the desk.
"Since you're here, let's talk about the details of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist plan."
"After all, these people will be your future teammates, so I'll leave the assessment of their strength to you." Mei Terumī nodded, smiling lightly at Chōjūrō.
"Can I?" Chōjūrō asked softly, his face showing a worried expression.
"No matter what, you are considered a veteran of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. You must have confidence in your strength. Anyone who can gain your approval will surely be strong." Mei Terumī said, looking at Chōjūrō with a relaxed expression.
Upon receiving Lady Mizukage's approval, the worried expression on Chōjūrō's face slowly disappeared.
"Lady Mizukage, regarding the number of ninja swords…" the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief said softly at this point, but before he could finish, Mei Terumī's voice already sounded.
"Regarding the ninja swords, Ghost Lamp Clan Chief, you don't have to worry. I have already received news from Ameyuri Ringo and the others. They should be back soon."
"Including the Thunder Blade in their hands, the Mist Ninja Village now has five swords. With this number, I presume re-establishing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist won't be a problem, right?" Mei Terumī said indifferently, resting her chin on one hand, looking at the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief.
The Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's expression tightened, and he quickly said, "Naturally, there's no problem, Lady Mizukage."
"That's good. The remaining specific matters are up to you. Oh, and Chōjūrō, please stay a moment." Mei Terumī glanced at the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief, then said to Chōjūrō.
Hearing Mei Terumī's words, the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief naturally knew that this was a sign to dismiss them.
A hint of helplessness flashed in the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief's eyes. He bowed slightly to Mei Terumī, then turned to Suigetsu Hozuki, who was standing by, and said, "Let's go!"
Suigetsu Hozuki trembled all over, as if defeated, and followed behind the Ghost Lamp Clan Chief with his head down.
… … … …
Kaguya Clan's residence.
There was no scene of desolation as imagined, because there were no buildings left at all. The entire residence was completely overgrown with weeds.
But then again, it made sense. After so many years, everything had probably been cleared away.
"I thought there might still be something in this place, but now it seems there's probably nothing left," Yūto said helplessly, surveying his surroundings.
Kimimaro stood quietly in place. After a while, he suddenly looked up at Yūto and said, "Lord Yūto, thank you!"
"Oh, you know who I am?" A hint of surprise flashed in Yūto's eyes. From Kimimaro's tone, he seemed to know who he was.
Kimimaro nodded: "Lord Orochimaru mentioned you to me."
A look of realization flashed in Yūto's eyes. It seemed Orochimaru had already anticipated that he would come looking for him after reviving him.
"Lord Yūto, my body is almost at its limit. I'm afraid I won't be able to be of assistance to you," Kimimaro said in a low voice, his eyes filled with gloom.
"Who said you're dying? If others can't save you, it doesn't mean I can't," Yūto said with a slight curl of his lips, a confident expression on his face.
"But before I save you, I'll first remove the cursed seal Orochimaru left on you. That thing is too corrosive to the body." Yūto said indifferently, then reached out and pressed on Kimimaro's cursed seal.
A cold, evil Chakra suddenly emanated from Kimimaro's body.
However, the next moment, this Chakra was rapidly absorbed by Yūto at an extremely fast speed.