The Hozuki clan head kept his expression steady, his voice respectful.
"No matter what, we owe thanks to Yuto-dono and Mizukage-sama. If ever you require the aid of the Hozuki Clan, you only need to ask."
Mei smiled faintly. She saw through his careful maneuvering with ease—but that was fine with her.
"As it happens, there *is* something I'd like the Hozuki Clan to handle."
Her lips curved into a charming smile as she looked at him.
The clan head blinked, though his face remained calm. His gaze flicked to the three swords on the desk, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.
"The village intends to re-form the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. I think it best that your clan oversee this matter. After all, the Hozuki have always been tied to the swords, and no one in the village knows them better than you."
She didn't wait for his reaction. She clapped her hands lightly.
Whoosh!
A shadow appeared beside her in an instant.
"Bring Chojuro here," Mei ordered.
The figure nodded and vanished.
The clan head lowered his eyes, pretending not to notice. Mei's words had sounded like a request, but they were really an announcement.
Still, this would bring his clan advantages. He came quickly to that conclusion.
Beside him, Suigetsu's eyes darted nervously. The pressure of standing near these figures was overwhelming. His escort—this "Yuto"—wasn't just anyone. Even his clan head had addressed him as Yuto-dono, a village elder.
But weren't the elders supposed to be Genji and the others?
Had the village changed so much in just a few years?
Wait…
The *First Mizukage* was also named Yuto.
Suigetsu froze as the realization hit him, eyes widening.
"Eh?!"
The cry burst out before he could stop himself. He clapped both hands over his mouth immediately, but too late.
The office grew quiet. Two pairs of eyes turned toward him. Sweat poured down his forehead.
Mei arched a brow, amused. In Suigetsu, she glimpsed another boy: Hozuki Mangetsu, a prodigy once called "the genius beloved by the blades," who could wield all seven swords.
But genius was no rarity in the shinobi world. A dead genius was no genius at all.
The clan head glanced at Suigetsu and said evenly, "When we return, you and I will have much to discuss."
Suigetsu gulped audibly, face full of dread.
Knock, knock.
The door opened.
Chojuro stepped inside, eyes puzzled. When he saw the clan head and Suigetsu, his confusion deepened.
"Mizukage-sama," he said respectfully.
"Good. You're here. Now, about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen plan—let's go over the details. These will be your teammates, after all. I'll leave the measure of their *strength* to you."
Mei's smile was warm.
"M-me? Judge them?" Chojuro's worry was plain.
"You're one of the old Swordsmen. Have confidence. Anyone you acknowledge won't be lacking in strength."
Her reassurance eased his tension.
"About the number of swords…" the clan head began, but Mei cut him off smoothly.
"No need to worry. I've already had word from Ringo Ameyuri and Utakata. They'll return soon. With Kiba in hand, we now have five swords. That's enough to re-form the group, wouldn't you agree?"
Her chin rested on her hand as she looked at him.
The clan head's face tightened, but he bowed quickly. "Of course, Mizukage-sama."
"Good. Then I'll leave the details to you. Chojuro, stay behind."
The dismissal was clear.
The clan head sighed inwardly, bowing before turning to Suigetsu. "Come."
Suigetsu wilted like a beaten dog, shoulders slumped, and trailed after him.
…
At the ruins of the Kaguya compound—
There were no buildings, only weeds and wild growth. Time had erased everything.
"I thought something might remain. But it seems there's nothing left," Yuto said, glancing around.
Kimimaro stood silently, then lifted his head. "Yuto-dono… thank you."
"Oh? You know who I am?" Yuto's eyes glinted with surprise.
Kimimaro nodded. "Orochimaru-sama told me about you."
Yuto's gaze sharpened with understanding. Orochimaru had known he would come.
"Yuto-dono… my body is nearly finished. I can't be of help to you."
His voice was low, eyes full of sorrow.
"Who said you're dying? Others can't save you. That doesn't mean I can't."
Yuto smirked, brimming with confidence.
"But first, let's strip away Orochimaru's cursed seal. That thing eats away at your body."
He pressed his hand over the mark.
A surge of cold, sinister chakra flared from Kimimaro.
But in an instant, Yuto drew it into himself, draining it away completely.
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