Chapter 16: The High-Level Gathering of Mist Shinobi - A Verbal Battle of Conflicting Ideals!

As they arrived in Kirigakure, Terumi Mei led Tōshirō directly to a meeting with Master Yuan, the head of this organization akin to an elder council. They were met with the expectant faces of the council members, all waiting to hear Tōshirō's plans and ideas.

Among the people present, Tōshirō recognized some prominent figures such as Fuguki Suikazan, Ao, Bi, Gonbei, and Hoshigaki Kisame. However, there were also a few elder ninjas whose names and backgrounds were not mentioned in the original work, leaving Tōshirō uncertain about their identities. The atmosphere was tense as they awaited Tōshirō's input.

Tōshirō couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, thinking that they had put on quite a show to welcome him. His sly and mischievous smile remained hidden as he prepared to address the assembly.

Terumi Mei quickly introduced, "Master Yuan, this is Lord Minuzaki Tōshirō, the patriarch of the Snow Clan."

Master Yuan's heart twitched with intrigue. This Terumi Mei actually addresses him with such a respectful title, does she...

However, being an elder of the Kirigakure, he concealed his emotions and maintained his composure. He simply acknowledged, "So you are the Tōshirō patriarch..."

"I've heard about all the significant accomplishments you've achieved before. As expected of a young talent; Kirigakure needs a gifted young individual like you!"

Tōshirō chuckled with a sly smile and responded, "Master Yuan, you're too kind with your praise."

At that moment, Fuguki Suikazan sneered, "So, you're the one responsible for the deaths of Jūzō Biwa and raiga kurosuki?!"

Being the last surviving member of the previous generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and the only one to survive Might Guy's Eight Inner Gates Formation, the Fuguki Suikazan didn't have any strong feelings towards those two, but there was still a sense of camaraderie.

With those two being killed, it was understandable that the Fuguki Suikazan held no affection for Tōshirō.

Without uttering a word, Tōshirō cast a glance at the Fuguki Suikazan.

boom! ! ! !

Suddenly, a shuriken was released, hurtling straight towards the Fuguki Suikazan.

The sudden attack startled not only the Fuguki Suikazan but also everyone in the elders' group. However, it was evident that such an attack wouldn't be enough to harm the Fuguki Suikazan.

In a fit of rage, the Fuguki Suikazan counterattacked by launching a swift counteroffensive, aiming his attack towards Tōshirō!

As soon as Tōshirō raised his hand, stopping the counteroffensive effortlessly.

The Fuguki Suikazan retorted, "What are you implying?!"

Tōshirō chuckled and said, "So, when I attack you, you do fight back... But since those two individuals wanted to kill me and my entire Snow Clan, I just returned the favor. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Observing the Fuguki Suikazan's speechless reaction, Terumi Mei couldn't help but stifle a laugh.

Terumi Mei couldn't help but admire Tōshirō's craftiness and thought, "This Tōshirō really knows how to play tricks... but... I like it!"

Hoshigaki Kisame sneered as he watched his former leader being mocked by Tōshirō.

Tōshirō observed this detail and realized that Hoshigaki Kisame had significant dissatisfaction with Fuguki Suikazan since that incident.

At this moment, the veteran Jōnin Quan Bingwei said, "The killing of those two people can indeed be considered a legitimate defense by Patriarch Tōshirō. However, Master Yuan subsequently dispatched Mangetsu Hōzuki, Ringo Yuyuri, and Li to investigate the matter. Why did you, Patriarch Tōshirō, detain them both? Are you planning to make them submit to your authority? Could it be that you intend to establish a separate family within the Land of Water?"

Tōshirō turned his gaze toward Quan Bingwei. With so many people scrutinizing him, it seemed like they were all ready for a showdown. He let out a chuckle and flashed a sly grin at Quan Bingwei.

"You're partly right and partly wrong," Tōshirō explained. "I didn't intend to establish a new faction. Everything I'm doing is for the sake of the Land of Water and Kirigakure. When I asked them to pledge their allegiance to me, it wasn't for rebellion. I simply wanted them to declare their loyalty to Mizukage-sama in advance."

Immediately, all members of the elders group were stunned, and then exchanged bewildered glances.

"Mizukage-sama?!"

"You mean, yourself?!"

Tōshirō smiled and said, "Indeed"

Jōnin Qing's partner, Bi, scoffed, "A joke! What strength, what qualifications, what credit do you have to dare to say that?!"

Tōshirō remained calm, his eyes filled with confidence as he responded, "I have the strength, the qualifications, and the credit to lead Kirigakure."

Tōshirō replied, " Have you ever killed two ninja swordsmen in seconds and subdued a genius ninja like Mangetsu Hōzuki? Do you have any comparable achievements?"

Bi was left momentarily speechless.

"As for the credit..."

"Unveiling the truth about the manipulation of the Fourth Mizukage Yagura by an illusion, and bringing about change in the blood mist of Kirigakure, leading to a new era in the entire Land of Water."

Does this count?"

Bi Leng snorted, "This is Master Yuan's, Terumi Mei's, and Sora Hyūga's credit. What does it have to do with you?"

Tōshirō smiled without saying a word.

Terumi Mei cleared her throat and said, "Actually, the information that circulated in Kirigakure was exposed by Patriarch Tōshirō."

Suddenly, everyone was shocked once more!

Master Yuan couldn't help but furrow his brow and asked, "Patriarch Tōshirō, are you truly the one responsible for all of this?"

"Nevertheless, I am extremely curious; how did you come to possess this information?"

Everyone's gaze was now focused on Tōshirō.

Waiting for his answer.