"Seizing the position of a Feudal Lord..."
Gento muttered to himself.
After thinking it over, among all the nations in the current shinobi world, the Land of Hot Water was still the most suitable.
The Land of Hot Water's Feudal Lord, Yuto Adachi, had already been controlled by Kotoamatsukami and was his most loyal puppet.
But how to "seize" the position of Feudal Lord still required careful planning.
He absolutely could not let anyone see that the Uchiha clan was manipulating things from behind the scenes.
Otherwise, not only would the other great nations react, even some people within the country might not approve.
He needed a perfectly legitimate reason, one no one could pick apart.
Gento's mind raced rapidly.
In theory, the nobles of the Land of Hot Water did possess the right to inherit the position of Feudal Lord!
A plan formed in his heart.
He first summoned Mangetsu Hozuki.
The silver-haired youth had now grown into a steady young man.
Wearing the Uchiha Anbu uniform, he entered the office and knelt on one knee.
"Clan Head Gento."
Gento nodded and gestured for him to rise.
"Mangetsu, it's time to fulfill what we promised Mei Terumi before."
"You are to return to the Hidden Mist immediately. Your mission is to gather the remaining members of the Hozuki clan, rebuild the Hozuki clan, and support Mei Terumi in firmly securing the position of Mizukage."
Mangetsu was a bit startled before immediately nodding.
"Yes. Back then, Lady Mei Terumi helped my brother and me escape from the enemy's grasp. I, Mangetsu Hozuki, have always remembered that kindness."
Gento looked at him and added meaningfully:
"Manage the Hozuki clan well and build your own prestige."
"Perhaps after Mei Terumi steps down in the future, you may also have a chance to become the next Mizukage."
Mangetsu's eyes flickered slightly at those words.
He said nothing. After remaining silent for a moment, he solemnly bowed to Gento.
"Clan Head, rest assured. I will carry out this order as the mission of my entire life."
He turned and left.
Watching his departing figure, Gento nodded in satisfaction.
Mangetsu was a smart man.
Some things did not need to be said.
Besides, Mangetsu also counted as one of his chess pieces for infiltrating the Hidden Mist and even the Land of Water.
Afterward, he summoned another Anbu member.
"Go to the Feudal Lord's residence in the Land of Hot Water and inform Yuto to find a reason to hold a conference one month from now. Summon all the politicians, nobles, and wealthy merchants of the Land of Hot Water and say there are important matters to discuss."
The Anbu immediately accepted the order and departed.
…
One month later.
The Feudal Lord's residence in the Land of Hot Water.
The hall blazed with light.
Dozens of low tables were lined up on both sides, each covered with delicacies and fine dishes.
The politicians, nobles, and wealthy merchants of the Land of Hot Water had all gathered together, as cups clinked as laughter and conversation filled the hall.
They did not know why the Feudal Lord had suddenly summoned everyone, but they could not refuse to give him face.
Moreover, this was also a good opportunity to make connections with the powerful and discuss business.
Yuto sat in the seat of honor, dressed in an extravagant purple-and-gold kimono with a tall ceremonial hat atop his head, yet his complexion looked rather poor.
There were faint dark circles beneath his eyes, his lips slightly pale, and his entire body carried a sickly aura.
The attendants carefully served him, constantly refilling his tea and water.
Gento sat at the foremost seat to his left, wearing dark casual clothing, with the Lust Gourd and the Demon Blade of Frozen Time hanging at his waist; he appeared calm and composed.
After several rounds of drinks, Yuto raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.
"Everyone."
His voice sounded somewhat weak.
"I have summoned you all here today to announce several important matters."
The hall quieted down as all eyes turned toward the Feudal Lord.
Yuto paused, seeming to struggle as he took a breath, then looked toward Gento.
"As for the next matter, I'll have you explain it to everyone instead."
Gento stood up, gave Yuto a slight bow, then turned toward the crowd.
"Everyone, I believe you are all aware of the current situation in the shinobi world."
"The Land of Fire is engulfed in war. The Hidden Cloud, Hidden Stone, and Hidden Sand are attacking together, while the Hidden Leaf Village is suffering continuous defeats."
"Although the war has not yet spread to the Land of Hot Water, the ongoing conflict has increased the number of rogue ninja throughout the shinobi world, posing a certain threat to everyone present here."
Low murmurs immediately spread through the hall.
The nobles and merchants exchanged glances, worry visible in their eyes.
Gento continued:
"As the Guardian Duke of the Land of Hot Water, protecting everyone's safety is my responsibility."
"For that reason, I have decided that the Uchiha clan will assign two Anbu members to each person here to be responsible for your personal safety."
The moment those words fell, the entire hall erupted.
"What? The Uchiha clan is assigning bodyguards to us?"
"Two Anbu members? Those are Uchiha elites!"
"I heard every member of the Uchiha Anbu possesses Jonin-level strength. Any one of them can fight ten enemies alone..."
"Lord Gento is truly righteous!"
Smiles appeared on the faces of the nobles and merchants as they cast grateful looks toward Gento.
In this era of war, even having money did not necessarily mean one could hire reliable guards.
And Uchiha bodyguards were famous throughout the entire shinobi world.
Strong, disciplined, and never cutting corners.
An elderly noble with white hair stood up and cupped his hands toward Gento with trembling arms.
"Lord Gento's great kindness and virtue leave this old man endlessly grateful!"
A wealthy merchant also stood up, his face covered in smiles.
"Yes, yes! With Lord Gento's words, we can finally rest easy. If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word!"
Gento smiled and waved his hand.
"There's no need for such courtesy. Ensuring everyone's safety is simply my duty."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone present once more.
"Additionally, for your protection, these two guards will remain at your side at all times. This is also to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Everyone nodded repeatedly, not noticing the deeper meaning hidden within those words.
Even if some people felt uneasy about it, seeing everyone else agreeing one after another made it difficult to reject Gento's goodwill.
Just like that, the banquet lasted for an entire three days, with both host and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The nobles and merchants departed with satisfied smiles and returned to their respective territories.
Watching those carriages gradually disappear into the distance, Gento secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Behind him, Shisui reported:
"Clan Head, the Anbu have all been arranged in place. Every target now has our people by their side."
Gento nodded.
"Very good. Have them keep a close watch and avoid alerting anyone."
…
Only a few days after the banquet ended, sudden news spread from the Feudal Lord's residence in the Land of Hot Water: Yuto Adachi had fallen gravely ill.
The news came suddenly, though it was not entirely unexpected.
Many people had noticed Yuto Adachi's sickly appearance during the banquet.
Some politicians privately discussed it:
"The Feudal Lord's condition already showed signs of decline during the banquet a few days ago. I'm afraid he won't last much longer."
Though others voiced confusion:
"The Feudal Lord has always been in robust health. How did he suddenly become this sick?"
Confused as they were, no one dared to openly question it.
Yuto lay upon his sickbed, his complexion wax-yellow, his eye sockets sunken, his whole body having grown noticeably thinner.
He summoned the politicians of the Land of Hot Water and weakly announced:
"This old man does not have much time left. A successor must be chosen as fast as possible."
"Send word at once and have my two sons return to the Feudal Lord's residence immediately."
The politicians all nodded, expressing their understanding.
The Feudal Lord's two sons were both within their own territories, and after receiving the news, they immediately set out.
However, while they were traveling, even more shocking news arrived…
A group of unknown rogue ninja ambushed and assassinated both of the Feudal Lord's heirs on the road!
---
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