Clans Decision

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Hearing the information, the clan members were in shock and fear.

Seeing this, Lord Takahara turned to Miyagi, the Chunin master, and asked, "What are our chances if we combine forces with those outside the city?"

Miyagi, the Chunin master, replied, "My Lord, I don't think that's the right thing to do.

Forget about receiving help—you should be more concerned about whether we even have the capability to ask for it.

And by that master's tone, he seems more than ready to welcome all the Land of Crystal cities to attack him."

The clan lord fell silent once again. After some time, he came to a unanimous decision in his heart and spoke,

"Prepare to lead the way, Miyagi. I will go there myself. Make the preparations."

Miyagi replied, "Yes, my Lord."

Soon, the clan members and masters began to move.

Meanwhile, in the other four clans, similar discussions were taking place.

Some saw an opportunity, while others had different intentions.

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Inside the Hanma Clan, the lowest-ranking among the five clans, a report was being delivered by the returning masters to their clan lord.

Seated on the main seat, a young man listened carefully, not missing a single detail.

As the Chunin master concluded his report, the young man scanned the faces of everyone in the hall and asked,

"What do you all think of this development? And what should be our course of action?"

Everyone present understood that this was a test from the clan leader, and giving the correct answer could lead to an increase in status.

After a moment of silence, a middle-aged man spoke up,

"What is there to consider? We must purge fools like this first, with the help of the other four clans.

If the other cities get wind of this news, this won't just be a war.

First, our five clans will be annihilated, and then that master—whatever he calls those attacks or jutsu—will be solely ours. In a few years, we will smoothly take control of this city."

Some of the members began to ponder the elder's suggestion. However, another man, who disagreed, soon spoke.

"I don't think this should be our approach.

If the reports are absolutely correct and that master has already contacted the Takahara Clan, then with Miyagi's wit and their clan leader's wisdom, they wouldn't make such a mistake.

Clan Leader, in my opinion, this is an opportunity for the Hanma Clan. We are the lowest-ranking clan.

We don't control vast territories that this master would want to seize, nor do we have much to lose.

But if we approach him first—and the reports about his strength are accurate—we could become the foremost clan with that master's help.

Meanwhile, the Takahara Clan would be too occupied worrying about other matters and their control over the city being threatened by him.

If we play our cards right, the rewards could exceed our imagination."

The atmosphere in the hall shifted instantly. Indeed, the more mysterious this master seemed, the greater the potential benefits if the reports were true.

If the Hanma Clan made their move first, the possible returns might be beyond what they could even imagine.

The middle-aged elder, however, snapped angrily, "What nonsense are you talking about? Where is the proof of this master's abilities?"

As he spoke, the Chunin master's expression darkened. He released his chakra pressure and spoke in a cold tone,

"So, are you saying that I and the other four Chunin masters misjudged what we saw with our own eyes?"

The middle-aged man broke out in a cold sweat. Hurriedly, he tried to justify himself.

"Hehe... you misunderstand, Master Shino... What I meant was that this master might be trying to fool everyone."

The Chunin master's voice grew even colder. "So, you're saying that my eyes are faulty? That I can't even distinguish between a fool and a true warrior?"

The middle-aged man's back was drenched in sweat.

"No-no, Master Shino... I was only saying that, even if this master is strong, how can he possibly unify the Land of Crystals? Even the Sukuna Clan master faltered in the past."

The Chunin master narrowed his eyes. "So now you're saying I can't even tell the difference between the Sukuna Clan master and that dojo master?"

His voice carried an unmistakable warning. "I see… It seems you think you can solve everything yourself, don't you?"

The middle-aged man had tears in his eyes, struggling to explain himself.

At this moment, the young clan leader finally spoke. "Enough. Prepare to move out. I've decided—we will go and meet this master."

The young leader's expression was resolute as he continued,

"What the elder said is correct—this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we miss it, nothing will come close to matching its worth."

The middle-aged man hesitated. "But Clan Leader, what about—"

"Enough!" the young leader snapped.

"Do you think Master Shino is a fool? Or that you are always right? If I hear another word from your mouth, you won't even have a position left in this hall!"

With that, the Hanma Clan began their preparations to set off. Meanwhile, the other clans also reached their decisions.

Half an hour later, at the front gate of the dojo, two groups of people arrived one after another—the Hanma Clan first, followed by the Takahara Clan.

Seeing each other, the young Hanma Clan leader and the middle-aged Takahara Clan leader stepped forward and exchanged greetings.

"Greetings, Lord Takahara."

"Same to you, Hanma Clan Leader," Takahara replied with a polite smile.

Both of them maintained a cordial front, but Miyagi, the Chunin master, was deep in thought.

It seems that master has already contacted other clans… and the Hanma Clan arrived before us.

At that moment, a masked ninja emerged from inside the dojo and spoke.

"My Lord has invited you inside. Please, follow me."

The ninja's appearance drew curiosity and awe from both groups. His face was hidden behind a mask, with only his eyes visible.

A small sword was strapped to his back, and a pouch hung at his waist.

Miyagi observed closely and murmured, "How much time has passed… and this master has already equipped his subordinates with formidable weapons and gear."

The Hanma Clan leader smirked in response, intrigued by the unknown elements surrounding this master.

Both groups followed the masked ninja inside.

They entered a grand hall with a wooden floor, supported by crystalline pillars that shimmered in the light.

Ice pillars stood at intervals, maintaining a cool temperature inside the room.

As they took in their surroundings, their gazes finally landed on a man seated on a throne.

His legs were crossed, his chin resting on his hand as he calmly observed the group before him.

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