Senju Yukika gestured for the clan members below to take a look.
The first to look was the Third Elder!
As his eyes scanned the list, his expression immediately changed.
Soon after, the statistical report passed through the hands of all the clan members, and the mood in the room plunged into utter gloom.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"
"All I did was compile some simple statistics. Even with your own eyes, you should be able to see it clearly."
Yukika let out a cold laugh and slapped the table.
"Fine! Then I'll speak for all of you."
"Ever since the integration plan with Konoha was implemented, the clan members—"
"Enough!"
Before he could finish, Uzumaki Mito, kneeling solemnly at the front of the ancestral hall, suddenly interrupted.
"That's enough for today's clan assembly. Everyone, please leave."
She had issued the order in Yukika's place.
The reason was simple—she had also seen that list.
Mito's words were a relief to the clan members. As if a heavy burden had been lifted, they turned and began leaving one by one. In a short while, only Senju Yukika, Tsunade, and Uzumaki Mito remained in the hall.
Rope Tree had been dismissed with a subtle glance from Mito.
"I wasn't finished."
Yukika calmly stepped toward Mito.
"I know what you're trying to say,"
Mito lifted her head and looked at him. "But words like that shouldn't be said in this setting—unless you want to see your statements show up on Hiruzen's desk."
There are spies!
Yukika's eyes lit up sharply.
As expected, even among the noble Senju clan, there were those loyal to the Hokage's regime.
Still, Grandma Mito meant well.
His gaze softened.
"Do you even understand what you're doing?" Mito continued.
"You're contradicting the First Hokage—worse, you're sowing division between the clan and the village."
"You may be the clan leader, but sometimes, even if something is the truth, you can't act rashly."
"That would only harm you—and the entire Senju clan."
Slowly rising to her feet, Mito sighed lightly. "Some things must be done in the shadows."
"As for those within the clan who are not loyal, I'll help you clean them out."
"But Senju Yukika, you must understand—"
"The road you've chosen isn't blocked by just anyone."
"It's blocked by the Hokage. By my late husband. By your granduncle—the God of Shinobi!"
The God of Shinobi?
Yukika chuckled freely and reached out to steady Mito's frail arm.
"So what if he is?"
"Although it's perhaps a bit inappropriate to say this, considering he was your husband..."
"But—I'll say it anyway."
"He was just the God of Shinobi! If that's all, then I'll surpass him."
"Please, live a little longer."
"Because my era is only just beginning!"