Two Clan Allegiance
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As the two groups entered, the clan leaders of both clans saw the man seated on the throne scrutinizing them.
Some members of the groups displayed displeasure upon seeing this scene, considering the gesture too low-level for their standards, but no one voiced their opinion.
At this moment, the Takahara clan leader was gazing at the clone seated on the throne.
In his view, the man looked refined, making his background appear to be from a clan like theirs.
The same was true for the Hanma clan leader, who, upon seeing this man, immediately knew he was the real deal.
The Hanma leader had a secret he rarely shared with anyone—he could instinctively discern whether someone was truly formidable at a mere glance.
And now, in this moment, he knew that this man was not only the real deal but also a very dangerous being.
A slight smile crept onto his face as he hurriedly stepped forward and bowed. "I am the Hanma clan leader. Greetings, sir."
At this, the clone spoke. "Call me Mr. 36 or Dojo Master."
Soon, the entire Hanma group stepped forward and greeted him, followed closely by the Takahara clan.
At this moment, the clone spoke in a deep voice, "I assume you came to give me your answers. Very well, then—tell me what choices you have made."
The pressure on both clans became palpable—not due to the clone releasing his aura, but because his words alone weighed on them like a sword hanging over their heads.
There were only two choices, but from the beginning, there had always been only one real option.
The Takahara clan leader hesitated before speaking. "I would like to ask the Dojo Master—what will be the future course from here?" He spoke carefully, prepared for an answer.
However, before the clone could respond, another voice cut in.
The Hanma clan leader, being decisive, answered upfront.
"We, the Hanma clan, would like to support the Dojo Master in his endeavor to unify the Land of Crystal. I wonder if the Dojo Master would accept us?"
The moment he spoke, shock appeared on both groups' faces.
The Hanma group had still been discussing how to proceed, and the Takahara group was waiting for the reply, but the Hanma leader had dropped a bombshell without warning.
He continued, "We would have come to the Dojo Master sooner had we known of this opportunity earlier.
But as soon as Master Shino arrived, I immediately made my way here.
And now, seeing the Dojo Master's elegance and might, I must say—not even the master of the Sukuna clan can compare to him in the slightest."
Hearing this flattery, everyone inside the hall was stunned. They couldn't begin to comprehend its depth or implications.
At this, the clone chuckled.
"Haha… Hahahaha… Very well then, Hanma clan leader. I accept your pledge. And remember—you will not be left empty-handed after the unification."
While the clone spoke, he understood the deeper implications of the Hanma clan leader's words.
But so what? This world was never fair. Those who arrived first deserved first priority.
Soon, the clone continued, turning to the Takahara clan leader.
"As for your question—" His voice grew firmer. "I am on a mission to unify this land under the orders of our organization.
Like me, there are more than 200 shinobi sent to unify the world, because a calamity is coming from beyond this world.
Time is short. As we speak, more and more lands are being unified under our organization.
Even the Land of Thieves has one of our own working toward its unification."
Hearing this, everyone's eyes widened, shock evident in their expressions.
Hiruzen had no reason to hide such information, nor did he deliberately attempt secrecy.
The Five Great Nations would hardly care for such matters when his clones were at the helm.
From the beginning, Hiruzen's goal had been to push the limits of shinobi in this world.
He would provide them with all arts of ninjutsu, training one generation after another, even artificially enhancing their bloodlines to birth more powerful chakra lineages.
He did not believe that, with such development, Hashirama-level shinobi could not be born again.
Even if they weren't, he could push them to train in senjutsu, enhancing their combat abilities.
He was already laying the groundwork for future research, waiting for Orochimaru's readiness.
And once the world was unified, even more powerful shinobi would emerge.
The clone's voice interrupted the silence.
"So… What is your answer?"
The Takahara clan leader remained in a daze. Initially, he thought negotiations might still be an option.
But now, hearing this revelation, he realized there was no longer a chance.
An organization capable of sending people to conquer entire lands one after another would undoubtedly have the means to unify the Land of Crystal.
Finally, he made his decision.
"We, the Takahara clan, would like to support the Dojo Master," he declared.
Hearing this, the clone smiled and nodded.
"Very well then. You two are the first founding clans in support of unifying this land. As such, I will not treat you unjustly."
He made a gesture and continued.
"Your first task is to strengthen your forces."
The clone then summoned a scroll, handing it over to them.
"These contain necessary knowledge—chakra refining arts, hand-seal methods, and basic foundational information. Learn them."
He gestured toward a guard to demonstrate how to open the storage scroll's seal.
"I will give you seven days to distribute the chakra refining arts throughout your clans and recruit more people.
Do not restrict anyone. You may also send your clan's shinobi to this dojo for further ninjutsu training."
He paused, his gaze sharp.
"Additionally, inform the other clans and observe their reactions. You should know what to do."
The groups responded in unison, "No, my lord!"
"Then disperse."
As they left, the shock of seeing the magical storage scrolls lingered in their minds.
These items were beyond their understanding—far too mystical for them.
And now, in their haste, they were eager to study and uncover their secrets.
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