“It’s about…”
Mei, feeling awkward, couldn’t finish her sentence. Naoki glanced casually at Shisui and chuckled slightly.
“Go ahead, it’s fine.”
“It’s about gathering those from your Kaguya clan who meet your criteria and have voluntarily signed up, then selecting a few to pair with Neji Hyuga for, um, well…”
Mei suddenly found it difficult to continue.
“Yes, exactly what you’re thinking.”
Skipping over the topic, Mei sighed with relief but couldn’t help asking,
“Why only send a few? According to this scroll, sending more wouldn’t be a big deal, right?”
“Actually, this plan is just a fallback.”
Naoki replied nonchalantly, making Mei curious.
“A fallback?”
Seeing Shisui in the corner of his eye and noting Naoki’s reluctance to explain further, she chose to stay silent.
Naoki turned his head and took back the scroll filled with names. He began carefully selecting those Kaguya female members who met the ethical criteria, had voluntarily signed up, and had excellent qualifications, all while pondering deeply.
At this stage, since Neji Hyuga is still in the village, it would be a waste not to use him. Given voluntary participation and adherence to ethical standards, using the unique combination of Kaguya and Hyuga bloodlines to preserve the Byakugan lineage is a safeguard against future uncertainties.
If, in the future, the Caged Bird Seal can be resolved, Neji Hyuga would be a banner, enticing some discontented branch members from the Hyuga clan to defect to the Hidden Mist Village amidst the chaos of the Leaf Village.
This way, not only could the Byakugan be quickly applied in warfare, medical fields, reconnaissance, and construction, but also a large genetic base would allow for rapid mass production of Byakugan users.
If resolving the Caged Bird Seal proves impossible and the plan to recruit Hyuga branch members fails, then Neji Hyuga can be utilized differently, providing sustenance and frequently producing offspring.
However, this method is too slow and inefficient, and Naoki preferred not to resort to it unless absolutely necessary.
After finalizing the names, he closed the scroll with one hand and spoke to the Anbu outside the wooden door.
“Return this list to the Kaguya clan and remind them to treat Neji Hyuga well, not just as a tool.”
He emphasized heavily.
“We are relatives.”
“Yes, Mizukage-sama!”
The Hidden Mist ninja, filled with fervor, quickly left the office.
The wooden door closed with a click, leaving only the sound of rustling papers in the office.
After a long time, as the sun set, Naoki placed the last scroll aside, stretched his back, and finally turned to face Shisui, who appeared visibly tense.
Seeing the anticipation in Shisui’s eyes, Naoki spoke directly.
“I’ll give you two choices.”
Two?
Shisui immediately focused.
Seeing Shisui’s serious gaze, Naoki felt a ripple of emotion.
Shisui, a prodigy with eyes capable of controlling others’ wills, would be wasted just as a breeding stock.
He needed to join the Hidden Mist.
However, convincing someone so loyal to his village and clan to betray them would be a challenge.
But no one remains completely loyal forever.
Circumstances, perceptions, and emotions change, leading to different decisions and choices over time.
Just like Kakashi and Rin Nohara.
By targeting his weaknesses, ideals, and aspirations, there would be an opportunity to bring him over.
For the sake of Kotoamatsukami, a little effort was worthwhile.
With these thoughts in mind, Naoki spoke firmly.
“First, like Neji Hyuga, you can leave your bloodline for the Hidden Mist.”
Hearing this, although Shisui had anticipated it, his eyebrows twitched, and he instinctively clenched his legs.
Unless the second option was significantly worse, he wouldn’t consider the first.
“Second, use your Sharingan and go to the school to teach our Hidden Mist children.”
Hmm?
Shisui was slightly taken aback, showing a hint of surprise.
Naoki’s voice echoed again.
“I’ve been lenient with captives. No bargaining; just tell me your choice, Shisui.”
“I…”
Shisui suppressed his changing emotions, speaking with great difficulty.
The first option meant, like Neji, he would have to produce offspring daily for the Hidden Mist.
Such a life was unacceptable to him.
Moreover, in a state of constant exhaustion, how could he seize any opportunity to escape?
Shaking his head, he thought about the second option.
Naoki probably intended to subtly influence him over time, making him like the Hidden Mist.
But that couldn’t happen.
He was from the Leaf Village, an Uchiha, not one of those fanatical Hidden Mist ninjas who worshipped Naoki.
Teaching a few days in a school wouldn’t change him, right?
With this thought, Shisui spoke decisively.
“I choose the second option.”
Naoki smiled inwardly.
Shisui, by making this choice, was on the path to being thoroughly transformed.
“Then go, Shisui. You’ll thank me for this choice.”
Hearing this, Shisui was slightly taken aback.
He had been summoned, and waited all day just to make this choice?
If Naoki intended for him to join the Hidden Mist, why not employ harsher methods to ensure he became what Naoki wanted?
Was Naoki really that confident?
With these questions, Shisui stepped outside again, looking up at the starry sky, arriving at a moss-covered, blood-stained place.
Only the scattered desks and chairs reminded him it was a school.
This is the Bloody Mist, this is the Hidden Mist.
Shisui clenched his fist, thinking how such a broken, lifeless village could make him defect.
Now, he needed to think about how to escape.
Only by returning to the village could he change everything.
As he pondered, Ao appeared beside him.
Another day passed. Inside the Mizukage’s office, the weary Naoki finally placed the last scroll aside. With a sense of relief, he asked Mei, who was frowning.
“Have you calculated it?”
“Almost. We’re short of money, very short.”
Mei sighed helplessly.
“If we prioritize constructing buildings like hospitals, schools, roads, and ports, will it be enough?”
Naoki asked tentatively.
“Not enough.”
Mei raised the ledger in her hand, sighing again.
“We’ve completely exhausted our funds.”
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