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The Kaguya Clan of the Hidden Mist Village is a family with fighting embedded deeply in their blood.
Most members have simple minds, without too many schemes or complicated thoughts.
It is precisely because of this straightforwardness that they are utterly direct in their actions.
They repay their benefactors with unwavering loyalty and will never treat their allies unfairly. Conversely, they seek relentless vengeance on their enemies, never sparing a single foe.
They are both cautious and powerful—a clan truly deserving the title of the premier clan in the Hidden Mist Village.
No one dares to offend the Kaguya Clan.
Those who do soon learn the brutal meaning of cruelty.
Especially under their clan leader—who, ironically, does not share the typical simplicity of ordinary Kaguya members.
While most Kaguya people are straightforward and unyielding in their thinking, their clan leader is not only terrifyingly powerful but also shrewd and cunning.
When compared to the renowned strategists within the Hidden Mist Village, the Kaguya clan leader's intellect is formidable and even surpasses many.
His presence is like a pack of fierce, undefeated lions finally finding their lion king.
This makes the already fearsome Kaguya Clan even more terrifying.
To offend the Kaguya Clan is considered unthinkable in Kirigakure.
Even when the Fourth Mizukage was controlled by the Masked Man, slaughtering and persecuting all ninja with bloodline limits in the Hidden Mist Village, no one dared to easily provoke the Kaguya Clan.
What people feared was that the clan would fight to the death at any cost.
Even the audacious Masked Man himself showed caution when dealing with them.
Most ninja, when facing the Kaguya Clan, preferred to yield and avoid conflict whenever possible, aiming for peace above all.
Even in minor matters, they focused on placating the Kaguya Clan rather than opposing their wishes.
Therefore, when the head of the Kaguya Clan publicly declared support for Mei Terumi as the Fifth Mizukage and asked who was for and who was against, the previously chaotic voices instantly ceased.
No truly powerful forces or families dared to be the first to oppose the Kaguya Clan.
As for the vassals and fence-sitters, they simply lacked the courage.
Elder Genji, who observed this scene quietly, was stunned for a moment.
Damn it.
This is exactly as he had feared.
Just moments ago, he thought that without a truly powerful figure capable of stabilizing the situation, Mei Terumi had no chance of becoming Mizukage.
Now that figure had appeared.
And it was none other than the renowned Kaguya Clan leader of the Hidden Mist Village.
Things were looking grim.
As a core member of the Hidden Mist Village's upper echelon, Elder Genji knew the weight the Kaguya Clan leader carried in the hearts of many—a figure beyond challenge.
Now that the Kaguya Clan leader had voiced support for Mei Terumi, who else would dare to speak against her?
The only question was how much the top leaders of the truly powerful clans were willing to pay in response.
Though the Kaguya Clan was extremely strong, it had not yet reached the level of total dominance.
There were still a handful of clans in Kirigakure strong enough to contend with the Kaguya Clan.
As Elder Genji mulled over this, two clan leaders sitting on opposite sides of the meeting exchanged glances, nodded slightly, and simultaneously raised their hands.
"I object."
"I oppose as well."
Their voices were calm as they faced the other high-ranking officials and clan leaders of the Hidden Mist Village.
Though their eyes were steady, their intent was clear.
They wanted the others to side with them.
After the Kaguya Clan leader asked who was for and who was against, voting had begun.
If more people supported Mei Terumi, she would naturally become the Fifth Mizukage.
They could not stand by and watch this happen.
They sought to preserve the old order and protect their own interests.
This was no longer about choice—it was about survival.
With these two leading the opposition, several factions and ninja closely affiliated with them slowly raised their hands in agreement.
Yet many still hesitated.
The Kaguya Clan's fearsome reputation was daunting.
Some were themselves major players or backed by major players and so were unafraid.
Others were simply unwilling or unable to risk offending the Kaguya Clan.
Among them were those already impressed by Mei Terumi's strength but still uncertain.
Now, with the Kaguya Clan leader leading the charge, they hoped Mei Terumi would indeed become the Fifth Mizukage, so how could they oppose her?
"Alright, those who raise their hands now are against; those who don't are in favor," the Kaguya Clan leader said calmly.
"Hm?"
At this, Elder Genji's expression changed.
What did he mean by those who didn't raise their hands are in favor?
Others might not understand, but Elder Genji certainly did.
Among those who didn't raise their hands, some genuinely supported Mei Terumi.
However, many others simply feared the Kaguya Clan's ferocious reputation and dared not publicly oppose her.
If the vote was called again, asking those who supported Mei Terumi to raise their hands, most would remain silent.
How could this be considered true approval?
It was essentially abstention.
Of course, that was not the same as outright support.
The two clan leaders who initially raised their hands saw this too.
Those who reach this level of power are not simple.
Just as they prepared to object, the Kaguya Clan Leader had already spoken coldly:
"We in the Kaguya Clan have clear grievances and grudges.
Those who stand with us are friends, and they will naturally support us in the future.
As for those who refuse friendship with our Kaguya Clan, that is of no concern.
But in the future, you should be more careful."
His eyes were icy, filled with a deadly menace.
A threat.
A naked threat.
No one would take this lightly.
The Kaguya Clan had always acted so dominantly.
This was the Kaguya Clan!
Especially now, knowing they had the support of the Uchiha Clan—especially Uchiha Haru—the leader was utterly unrestrained and pushed his recklessness to the extreme.
He clearly understood the terrible power Uchiha Haru wielded.
With such a backer, he could ignore anyone present.
He had long grown tired of these hypocrites and pretenders and had wanted to act like this for some time.
Under the Kaguya Clan Leader's cold gaze, how could these ninjas, already intimidated by the clan's momentum, dare to raise their voices in opposition?
One by one, they fell silent—taken as tacit consent.
"Chief Kaguya, you are going too far."
The two clan leaders who had opposed at the start could no longer remain seated.
"We are simply expressing our opinions now; fairness and justice must prevail. We must follow our hearts."
"What exactly were you trying to do with your earlier words? Coerce me?"
"So what if I do?"
The Kaguya Clan leader did not shy from confrontation.
"We, the Kaguya Clan, have always acted this way.
Do you intend to teach us how to conduct ourselves?"
His eyes turned even colder.
The two clan leaders seethed in fury but had no words to respond.
In their hearts, they cursed the Kaguya Clan as shameless and reckless.
Unreasonable.
The Kaguya Clan Leader paid no mind.
For him, the end justified the means.
He had promised Uchiha Haru he would help Mei Terumi become Mizukage.
Then the Kaguya Clan's status in the Hidden Mist Village would improve drastically.
They would finally enter the true center of power and become decision-makers.
Not like now, when their position relied solely on fear and reputation.
Others might respect them outwardly but curse them behind their backs.
That could no longer continue.
Change was necessary.
And Uchiha Haru had given him this chance.
"Master Genji, it's time to count," the Kaguya Clan Leader reminded at the right moment.
He had not expected to "win over" so many people.
Even with his coercion, he thought the effect would be worse.
He had underestimated how deeply the Kaguya Clan's reputation intimidated the Hidden Mist Village.
At a glance, although many opposed, their number might not exceed the supporters.
He still had a chance to use a reasonable approach to push Mei Terumi into the Mizukage seat.
And if, after counting, the opposition won?
That was easy—just reject it outright.
The Kaguya Clan never cared for reason.
Why not be unreasonable once more?
"Well, okay," Elder Genji nodded.
The two opposing clan leaders did not object.
Let fate decide for now.
If it failed, another plan would be found.
Making money was not the Kaguya Clan's sole privilege.
The counting began.
The original opposition had grown to this point.
Even the calm, composed Mei Terumi was somewhat stunned.
Is this really possible?
The Kaguya Clan Leader was truly formidable.
He singlehandedly muddied the waters.
Though he looked fierce and cruel, he was invaluable as an ally.
Uchiha Chiye… what methods did he use to persuade the Kaguya Clan Leader to work with him?
Mei Terumi sighed inwardly.
Meanwhile, the counting continued, tense yet orderly.
Everyone was careful, serious, nervous.
Even the Kaguya Clan Leader seemed somewhat concerned.
They all knew the weight of this vote.
It could influence Kirigakure's fate for decades.
Every vote was precious.
One by one, the votes were counted.
Finally, an unexpected result emerged.
"The result of this vote is a tie."
Elder Genji announced the result solemnly.
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