The sudden question left the room in stunned silence.
Even Kiri was taken aback, blinking in confusion at her grandmother.
Mei, on the other hand, clenched her toes so hard she nearly jumped out of her seat—only to be stopped by the oppressive aura of Yuki Setsu. Awkwardly glued to her seat, her eyes darted between Yoru and Kiri.
That couldn't be it… right? There was a six-year age gap between them!
Then again… Yoru did seem to prefer more mature women. Mei glanced down at her own figure—one of her proudest features. Even though she was a year younger than Yoru, she was already curvy and well-developed.
But compared to her, Kiri had that graceful, polished air—like a flawless piece of carved ice.
A nearly perfect blend of looks, poise, and talent. Combine that with her pedigree and abilities…
Forget Yoru—even Mei had to admit: if she were a guy, she wouldn't be able to resist either.
…
Yoru finished slurping his instant noodles. Without looking up, he cast a faint glance at Kiri.
"I've never really given it any thought. No comment."
"…I see." Kiri Setsu murmured softly—then suddenly dropped a bombshell:
"I had originally intended for Kiri to succeed me as head of the Yuki Clan. But I've realized—she's not suited for it."
"She has talent in governance, in clan management—even in strategy and long-term planning. But she lacks what matters most. She's… too weak."
"In this world, only power defines legitimacy. And Kiri doesn't have the strength to be the next head of the Yuki Clan."
Mei blinked, stunned. She glanced at the elderly matriarch, then at Kiri—who sat silently, head bowed—and finally at Yoru, whose expression remained unreadable.
Wait… was this woman trying to make Yoru the next clan head?
No way. Yoru had been cast out, disowned by the clan. Even if he'd awakened the Ice Release kekkei genkai, and now possessed unmatched strength, achievements, and influence—even if he was the prime candidate to become the next Mizukage…
…Okay, when she thought about it that way, maybe it wasn't so far-fetched.
Sure enough—
After a long-winded lead-in, Yuki Setsu turned to Yoru and said clearly:
"I want you to become the new head of the Yuki Clan, Yoru."
Yoru let out a soft chuckle. "You want someone who doesn't even exist on your clan register to become the clan head?"
"That's irrelevant," she replied without hesitation. "I know you don't like the Yuki Clan. Everything that happened in the past… we were in the wrong. I'll say it plainly—I apologize."
Then, supporting herself with her cane, the frail old woman—whose back was already hunched with age—bowed deeply.
Kiri quickly followed suit, lowering her head alongside her grandmother.
"…It doesn't mean anything."
Yoru's voice remained detached. "Apologies won't fill the void in my heart. And they won't bring back the dead."
"I understand."
Yuki Setsu slowly straightened up. "But we want to make amends. I know you hate the Yuki Clan—just like you hate this village, shrouded in blood and darkness. But for certain people, for certain hopes… you've chosen to change the village. To reshape it into something like what it was during the First Mizukage's time."
"The Yuki Clan can change too. We can become what you need us to be."
Her words carried no pride, no hesitation—just total, reckless sincerity. Mei could only stare, dumbfounded.
This was one of the top three clans in the entire Hidden Mist. And she was just… handing it over?
This wasn't just sincerity. It was guts. The kind of audacity only someone who'd lived since the Warring States Era could show.
Yoru's eyes flickered slightly, but he said nothing.
Yuki Setsu wasn't in a rush. Leaning on her cane, she walked slowly to the door.
"To have such a brilliant descendant as you… I'm already grateful," she said. "Kiri's cooking is excellent, and she's great at managing a household. I'd like her to stay by your side—to help take care of your daily needs."
"…?"
Kiri looked like she wanted to help her grandmother, but Yuki Setsu waved her off. The old woman made her way to the door.
Only when her figure was nearly out of sight did Yoru finally speak.
"…Bring the clan register tomorrow. And as for daily life—mine's simple. I don't need anyone looking after me."
Yuki Setsu paused, just for a second.
Then her pace picked up. Despite leaning on a cane, she moved with surprising speed—and there was even a faint chuckle echoing in her wake.
Kiri, looking unsure of herself, lingered for a moment before running to catch up.
Once the guests were gone, Mei immediately slumped over the table with a dramatic groan. She didn't sit up again until Yoru placed the now-overcooked noodles in front of her.
"No wonder you were so confident with our teacher. You already knew the Yuki Clan would back you… blegh, they're all swollen…"
Still, she eagerly slurped a few mouthfuls.
Then, fishing through the shopping bags on the sofa, she pulled out a whole narutomaki fish cake and held it up to Yoru's mouth like a microphone.
"Well then, Mr. Future Clan Head—how does it feel to be accepted by the family that once threw you out?"
Yoru glanced at the fish cake and took a bite.
"This outcome was obvious, judging by Kiri's attitude."
He paused to chew, then added, "And for the record, they didn't accept me."
"It's not that I've gained the clan's recognition…"
"It's that they now need mine."
"They're not the Yuki Clan that Yoru belongs to—it's the Yuki Clan that belongs to Yoru."
That last line echoed in the room.
Mei stared blankly as Yoru bit off another piece of narutomaki and walked calmly upstairs.
"Make sure to take out the trash when you're done," he called. "Thanks, dear Mei."
"…"