Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village.

Mei Terumi looked up in surprise, glanced at Yuki Minazuki, then at Akira Minazuki who was silent and had her head down, and at Yoru Minazuki who had an indifferent expression.

The three members of the Snow Clan had different expressions at this moment, which allowed Terumi Mei to discern the underlying meaning.

This guy... could he be here to make Night the patriarch of the Snow Clan?!

impossible.

Yoru is, after all, someone who was abandoned and expelled from his 'clan'. Even if Yoru has now awakened the Ice Release bloodline, possesses extraordinary strength, numerous battle achievements, and immense prestige, and is even highly likely to become the next Fourth Mizukage... well, thinking about it that way, it doesn't seem impossible...

really.

After rambling on and on, Minazuki Yuki suddenly looked at Yoru and said, "I want you to become the head of the Yuki clan, Yoru."

Ye chuckled lightly: "Let someone whose name isn't even on the family tree be the clan leader?"

“That’s not important, Yoru.” Minazuki Yuki shook her head, her cloudy eyes looking at Yoru: “I know you don’t like the Yuki clan. Everything in the past was indeed our fault, and I apologize to you for it.”

As she spoke, Mizuki Yuki leaned on her cane, her already hunched and aged body bowing deeply towards the night.

Mizuki Akira, who was standing to the side, also quickly followed Mizuki Yuki and bowed her head to the night.

"This is pointless."

Night's gaze remained indifferent: "The emptiness in my heart will not be filled because of this, nor will the departed return."

"I see."

Minazuki Yuki stood up, leaning on her cane, and looked at the night: "So we want to make amends... I know you don't like the Yuki clan, just as you don't like this village shrouded in filthy, dark blood mist. But because of some people and some things, you will make a different choice, and even make the whole village as beautiful as it was when the previous Mizukage was still alive."

"The Snow Clan can also change and become what you need."

This bold, unreserved, all-in betting style left Mei Terumi somewhat dumbfounded.

This is the Yuki clan, one of the top three bloodline clans in the entire Hidden Mist Village!

They just sent it away like that. Is this the spirit of the older generation of artists... no, is this the courage and determination that has survived since the Warring States period?!

Faced with Minazuki Yuki's sincerity, Yoru's eyes flickered, but he did not speak.

Mizuki Yuki wasn't in a hurry. She stood up, supporting herself with one hand on her cane and the other on her knee, and said with a smile, "When people get old, they always want to do something more, for this family that has been passed down to this day, and for the younger generation... Having such an outstanding junior as you fills my heart with joy."

“Jing is a very good cook and also excellent at managing household affairs. I want to keep her by your side to help you with some of the trivial matters in your life.”

"..."

Mizuki Akira lowered her head, trying to help Mizuki Yuki up, but was refused by Yuki.

The elderly woman walked towards the door, and only when her figure was about to leave did the sound of night slowly begin to rise.

"Please send the family tree over tomorrow. Also, my life is relatively simple, and I don't need anyone to take care of me."

Minazuki Yuki paused slightly, then walked even faster, at a pace completely unlike that of someone using a cane. She soon disappeared from sight, and faint laughter could still be heard echoing back.

Mizuki Akira looked at Yoru somewhat bewildered, while Terumi Mei kept winking at her. Only then did Mizuki Akira jog out of Yoru's house and catch up with Mizuki Yuki...

With no outsiders around, Terumi Mei immediately lost her composure, slumping onto the table in front of her, her eyes filled with exhaustion. It wasn't until Yoru handed her the slightly soggy instant noodles that a glimmer of light returned to her eyes.

"No wonder you were so confident with your teacher, it turns out you knew all along that the Yuki clan would support you... Hmm, I've been soaking for too long, I'm all swollen... But Minazuki Yuki is really generous, actually making you the clan leader directly!"

After slurping a few mouthfuls of noodles, Mei Terumi took out an unsliced ​​Naruto roll from a shopping bag on the sofa next to her and offered it to Yoru's lips.

"Hey, let's interview our Minister Ye. Having been reinstated by a family that was once abandoned, what are your thoughts?"

"Given Mizuki Akira's attitude toward me, this is quite predictable."

Ye said calmly, "Furthermore, I need to correct you. It's not that I've gained the family's approval, but rather that the family needs my recognition."

"It belongs to the Yuki clan of Minazuki Yoru, not Minazuki Yoru of the Yuki clan!"

It belongs to the Yuki clan of Minazuki Yoru, not Minazuki Yoru of the Yuki clan...

Mei Terumi stared blankly at Yoru, who took a bite of the Naruto roll that Mei Terumi offered to her mouth, savoring the salty and fresh taste of the fish cake, and walked towards the bedroom on the second floor.

"Please remember to take your trash with you after you finish eating, thank you dear Mei Terumi."

"..."

I can't sleep tonight, so I'll update with another chapter.

Chapter 82 Night Clan Chief

Minazuki Yuki did not make any empty promises.

The next day, she brought the Snow Clan's genealogy and all the current members of the Snow Clan to the Night's Hut.

The clan chieftainship handover ceremony was held on the spot!

"This is the identity seal of our Snow Clan, representing the clan leader."

Mizuki Yuki took out an ice-blue seal from her bosom and solemnly handed it to Yoru.

Ye did not immediately accept the seal, but instead focused her gaze on the Snow Clan members, numbering less than a hundred, on the open ground.

Not bad.

The group in front of me is less than a hundred people.

This includes all the members of the Yuki clan, currently the second largest clan in Kirigakure, including a third of the elderly, women, and children!

The Blood Mist policy, coupled with the defeats on the front lines, has reduced even a powerful clan like the Snow Clan to such a small population.

Of course, the situation is even worse for some small families. There may only be one or two people left in the entire clan, and the bloodline of some families has even been cut off.

The entire Misty Hidden Lands are currently experiencing a severe shortage of population!

"Everyone."

Night's gaze swept over the crowd, spotting many familiar figures.

They might have served in the shadows and had previously exchanged missions with Night. Or they might have fought alongside Night on the front lines during this war.

All eyes fell on Ye.

Especially those powerful individuals like Mizuki Hyoji, all had different and incredibly complex expressions at this moment.

They never expected that the position of clan leader would fall to Ye, but given Ye's military achievements, reputation, potential, and strength, it all seemed quite reasonable.

After a long silence, Ye slowly took the seal from Mizuki Yuki's hand.

"From today onwards, I will assume the position of patriarch of the Snow Clan. Who agrees, and who disagrees?"

The sound of the night was not loud, but it resonated clearly in the ears of every member of the Snow Clan.

The crowd looked at each other in bewilderment when a clear, crisp voice rang out from within, drawing everyone's attention.

"I agree, Chief Night!"

It's Mizuki Crystal!

As the granddaughter of the former clan leader, Mizuki Akira, who was originally recognized as the next clan leader, actually took the initiative to agree to Yoru succeeding as clan leader!

With one person taking the lead, several others quickly followed suit, and after a moment everyone present loudly agreed, chanting the name of Night.

This seemingly childish clan chief handover ceremony is actually quite common in Kirigakure, a village where strength reigns supreme.

If you are strong enough, you will be the leader of the clan!

There is no need for any political maneuvering. Even if some people become clan leaders through scheming and trickery, they will be overthrown by others quickly due to their lack of strength.

The reason why everyone hesitated was simply because Ye's identity was rather special.

After all, Ye had been expelled from the Snow Clan long ago, but unexpectedly, he returned today and became the clan leader!

"Very well, then I'll say a few words."

Ye nodded and said calmly, "I left the family when I was born. Although I am now the patriarch, I am not familiar with the affairs of the family. So all matters, big and small, will continue as usual. All information will be summarized and given to Mizuki Crystal first, and then Mizuki Crystal will report to me."

Upon hearing this, many people in the clan breathed a sigh of relief.

Although they admired Ye, they were afraid that the new official would make a big splash and completely disrupt the established order of the clan, starting everything from scratch, including positions, authority, and the distribution of benefits.

Unexpectedly, Night chose to keep everything as before and even granted Mizuki Akira, who was originally recognized as the next clan leader, such great power.

Could it be that Minazuki Yoru doesn't really crave power?

Everyone was speculating and pondering, and many even had their own ulterior motives.

The significant decrease in population has led to a substantial decline in the overall strength and manpower of the Snow Clan, and has also resulted in vacancies in various positions.

Many of these vacancies are lucrative positions; if one could hold multiple jobs, one could easily make a fortune...

"Secondly, this is the first clan leader's decree I will issue after taking over as clan leader."

Everyone was startled and stared at the night with utmost seriousness, including Mizuki Akira and Mizuki Yuki.

In fact, Yuki Mizuki was already speculating in her mind that Yoru might simply wave his hand and lead the entire Yuki clan straight to the Mizukage's office for a coup...

"All members of the clan who are married and have families, please put aside everything you are doing in the coming days. Even those who have lost their spouses due to the war, please overcome your grief as soon as possible and start new families so that we can carry out the 'Snow Clan Population Recovery Plan'."

"what?"

Snow Clan Population Recovery Plan...

Everyone present was stunned by Ye's words. Mizuki Yuki almost dropped her cane, but soon a smile appeared on her old face.

"Population recovery... It seems my choice was right. Night, you truly are the jade who can lead the Snow Clan to true glory!"

"However, as the clan leader, shouldn't you set an example in this matter?"

Minazuki Yuki's gaze lingered on Yoru and Akira, growing more and more satisfied with each look.

Just as Ye was about to explain the general content of the 'Snow Clan Population Recovery Plan', his gaze suddenly fell on the bushes to one side.

Mizuki Hyoji's expression turned cold, and he quickly formed hand seals, sending countless ice crystals flying towards the thicket.

"Water Escape·Water Formation Wall!"

A soft shout came from within, and the water wall blocked the ice crystals, but soon, Mizuki Hyoji still managed to pull out a rather disheveled figure from within.

"The Mizukage's direct ANBU?"

Looking at the clothes that the guy was wearing, which were different from those of ordinary Kirigakure members, everyone present frowned slightly.

As the vice-commander of the Anbu, Yoru could command almost all the Anbu members in Kirigakure, but there was one special squad.

That's the Mizukage's direct subordinate ANBU!

As its name suggests, this ANBU squad is a special ANBU directly controlled by the Mizukage. Not to mention Yoru, the vice-commander of the ANBU, even the head of the ANBU cannot command them.

This special squad is composed entirely of elites and often carries out clandestine special missions, much like Danzo's Root.

"Master Ye."

Surrounded by the Snow Clan, and especially with the indifferent gaze of the killing god Mizuki Yoru, even the Mizukage's direct subordinates were terrified and lost their composure. They hurriedly explained, "Mizukage, the Mizukage-sama requests your presence."

"I see."

Night nodded, took out a scroll from his robes, and tossed it to Mizuki Akira who was standing to the side.

"Today's clan meeting is now adjourned. Also, these are the specific details of the mission, which you, Jing, will be responsible for."

"Yes, patriarch."

Chapter 83 The Shadow of Sorrow

Kirigakure Village.

Water Shadow Building.

As the most important and core building in Kirigakure, the Mizukage Building is the most magnificent building in the entire village.

However, unlike the bustling Hokage Building in Konoha, the area surrounding the Mizukage Building is filled with ninja training bases and ANBU training grounds.

That intense, chilling atmosphere was completely different from that of Konoha; in fact, it was the complete opposite!

Push the door open and enter.

Upon entering, Ye saw the Third Generation's aged figure standing by the window, one hand behind his back, gazing at the village shrouded in thick fog. His seemingly thin and aged figure appeared exceptionally profound at that moment.

"Yagura reported to me on the situation at the front. If it weren't for you, Kirigakure might have suffered a crushing defeat in this war."

Hearing the noise behind him, the Third Mizukage turned around, looked at Yoru who was expressionless and wearing a half-eye mask, and sighed deeply, "Yoru, your growth has really exceeded my expectations. I am very gratified to have you in Kirigakure."

Night looked calmly at the Third Mizukage: "Thank you for the compliment, but I don't think the Third Mizukage summoned me here simply to praise me."