Chapter 88

Mizunuki Hikohiko's actions caused everyone present to fall silent.

Terumi Mei and Takeda Yoichi looked at each other; neither of them were members of the Mizunuki clan, so naturally, they knew nothing about what had happened within the Mizunuki clan recently.

As the saying goes, family shame should not be made public; they were unaware that Ryosuke had executed the elders of the Mizunuki clan two days ago.

As for the meaning behind Mizunuki Hikohiko's identity, they only knew of its existence but not the reason why.

Based on the horizons of Terumi Mei and Takeda Yoichi, they didn't know what this kneeling by Mizunuki Hikohiko meant.

Hearing Mizunuki Hikohiko's request, Ryosuke stared at him with a scrutinizing gaze.

Originally, when Mizunuki Taki was alive, Ryosuke chose to have Mizunuki Hikohiko join his team to show his intention of leaning toward the clan and Mizunuki Taki.

But now, the situation had taken a sharp turn; Mizunuki Taki had died in battle, and Mizunuki Ryosuke had broken with Mizunuki Eiro.

As Mizunuki Eiro's own younger brother, why would Hikohiko want to choose to take Ryosuke as his master at this time?

Is there a possibility that Mizunuki Hikohiko was a spy sent by Mizunuki Eiro at this time, intending to infiltrate Ryosuke's side?

However, this didn't quite make sense; the relationship between Mizunuki Hikohiko and Mizunuki Eiro was known to everyone.

This point couldn't be hidden from Ryosuke, and Mizunuki Eiro shouldn't use such a foolish tactic.

The master-student relationship was a more solid and serious relationship than the superior-subordinate relationship in a team.

Once a master-student relationship was truly established, it meant that a bond of interest would be formed between the two.

When walking outside, the disciple's identity would also become a spokesperson for Mizunuki Ryosuke.

Regarding this, Mizunuki Ryosuke naturally had to be cautious.

Ultimately, regarding Mizunuki Hikohiko's request, Ryosuke did not directly refuse but asked faintly.

"Why?"

Hearing Ryosuke's question, Mizunuki Hikohiko knew this was the opportunity Ryosuke was giving him.

Therefore, Mizunuki Hikohiko didn't care about Takeda Yoichi and Terumi Mei on the side and spoke slowly.

It turned out that although he was born into the Great Elder's family, Mizunuki Hikohiko had enjoyed treatment incomparable to ordinary people since birth.

But at the same time, being born into a powerful family did not mean a comfortable life.

On the contrary, every day of Mizunuki Hikohiko's life from childhood to adulthood was under immense pressure.

And all of this was because of Mizunuki Hikohiko's brother, Mizunuki Eiro.

Undoubtedly, Mizunuki Eiro had talent that surpassed ordinary people; otherwise, he wouldn't have been crowned with the title of "Mizunuki's Number One Genius."

Because of Mizunuki Eiro's existence, the Great Elder had always had extremely high requirements for Mizunuki Hikohiko.

He was also required to meet the standards of the "Number One Genius."

It was naturally not without reason that Mizunuki Eiro was called the "Number One Genius" within the clan.

No matter what, Mizunuki Hikohiko could never reach the level Mizunuki Eiro had previously attained.

Hikohiko, who couldn't stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Mizunuki Eiro, gradually became a discarded pawn in the eyes of the Great Elder, and the Great Elder poured all his emotions into Mizunuki Eiro.

Because of this, Hikohiko's relationship with the Great Elder and Mizunuki Eiro had always been very distant.

Mizunuki Eiro also looked down on this "useless younger brother" in his heart.

Mizunuki Hikohiko was not convinced by this result; he believed that he was not inferior to Mizunuki Eiro.

It was just that the path suitable for Mizunuki Eiro was not necessarily suitable for him, Mizunuki Hikohiko.

Just then, Mizunuki Ryosuke appeared!

Mizunuki Eiro could not forget the heaven-destroying Ice Release that Ryosuke displayed when fighting against the Rock Ninjas.

After returning to the village, through various inquiries, Mizunuki Eiro learned of Ryosuke's performance when fighting the Six-Tails and Hozuki Yagura.

These only intensified his determination to take Ryosuke as his master.

It had nothing to do with the Great Elder, nothing to do with Mizunuki Eiro, and even less to do with the changes in the Mizunuki clan.

The already distant family affection was meaningless in Mizunuki Hikohiko's eyes.

He, Mizunuki Hikohiko, wanted to prove that he was no worse than anyone else.

Without relying on the halo brought by the Great Elder, he, Mizunuki Hikohiko, could also trample Mizunuki Eiro under his feet!

After this outpouring of true feelings, everyone fell silent.

On the other side, Terumi Mei and Takeda Yoichi never expected that Mizunuki Hikohiko, who was dazzling in their eyes, actually had such a past.

After listening to Mizunuki Hikohiko's description, Ryosuke had a basic judgment in his heart.

Mizunuki Hikohiko was not lying.

Whether it was his eyes, demeanor, or tone, Mizunuki Hikohiko didn't have a single flaw.

Given Mizunuki Hikohiko's age and sophistication, if everything were a performance, it would be impossible to hide it from Ryosuke's eyes.

Since he was sure Mizunuki Hikohiko wasn't lying, Ryosuke pondered in his heart whether to agree to Mizunuki Hikohiko's request.

From this perspective, Mizunuki Hikohiko had simply made the request to take him as a master out of a desire to pursue power.

At first glance, there was quite a bit of "Sasuke" flavor in it.

After careful consideration, Mizunuki Ryosuke suddenly spoke.

"Good, I agree to your request."

"After some time, I will teach you the basics of ninjutsu and Ice Release secret arts."

"From now on, we can address each other as master and disciple."

Mizunuki Ryosuke said in a serious tone.

Upon hearing this, Mizunuki Hikohiko was naturally overjoyed and hurriedly lowered his head to bow respectfully to Mizunuki Ryosuke.

"Yes, Master!"

Regarding this, Ryosuke just smiled slightly and accepted Mizunuki Hikohiko's address.

Overall, this master-taking was not just a momentary impulse of Mizunuki Ryosuke, but had profound significance.

Currently, since Ryosuke had decided to compete for the position of Water Shadow, he had to consider matters after succeeding as Water Shadow.

Right now, it appeared that Mizunuki Ryosuke and the Mizunuki clan had broken off relations.

But in reality, this was only a disagreement caused by temporarily different stances.

As long as Mizunuki Ryosuke succeeded as Water Shadow, the Mizunuki clan would inevitably continue to support Mizunuki Ryosuke.

Regardless of whether Mizunuki Hikohiko admitted it or not, he was the Great Elder's son and Mizunuki Eiro's own brother.

At that time, when Mizunuki Ryosuke sat firmly in the position of Water Shadow, Hikohiko's existence would be understood as Mizunuki Ryosuke's goodwill released to the clan.

Mizunuki Hikohiko would also become a link between Mizunuki Ryosuke and the clan.

This was the political significance brought by Mizunuki Hikohiko's identity.

Plus, Mizunuki Hikohiko's natural talent was decent, and he shared the same attribute as Ryosuke, so taking him as a disciple was considered appropriate.

Regarding these things, Terumi Mei and Mizunuki Hikohiko, who were young and lacked experience, clearly didn't understand too much.

On the other side, Takeda Yoichi showed an envious look toward Mizunuki Hikohiko.

A ninja at his level naturally also wanted to take Mizunuki Ryosuke as a master, but he also knew in his heart that Mizunuki Ryosuke would absolutely not agree.

For one, Takeda Yoichi himself was penniless, and coupled with his extremely average talent, there was nothing about him that Ryosuke valued.

For another, Takeda Yoichi was older than Mizunuki Ryosuke, so taking Ryosuke as a master was clearly not reasonable.

Still the same saying, even in the world of ninjas, what is emphasized is still human relationships and worldly wisdom.

— Author's Notes —

·· Seeking flowers ·· ··