"Do you have any news on Hōzuki Mangetsu? Or more importantly, any updates on the Seven Ninja Swords?"
"Yes." Daikokuten Zen nodded. When Kimimaro and Suigetsu took the Executioner's Blade, Zen had realized this new master had an interest in the legendary swords, so he made it a point to keep an eye on such information. "Mangetsu is dead."
"Dead? When?"
"Not too long ago. From what we heard, he'd been in poor condition for a while. His death wasn't unexpected."
"Hmph. Suigetsu did mention it vaguely. What about the blades?"
"The three Mangetsu had reclaimed—Kabutowari, Shibuki, and Nuibari—were hidden by him before his death. Their exact location is unknown, but rumors suggest the Twin Swords, Hiramekarei, have resurfaced. Several factions are already preparing to compete for them."
"Then we're just in time."
Originally, Kimimaro and Suigetsu had hoped to confront Mangetsu directly, defeat him if necessary, and take the swords from him. But with Mangetsu dead, a new strategy was needed—secure Hiramekarei first, then track down the others.
If they could gather all four, only Samehada would remain, and that was guarded closely by the Hidden Mist's elite.
Truthfully, Kimimaro wasn't impressed by most of the swords aside from Hiramekarei and Samehada. But Suigetsu had an obsession with them, and Kimimaro had promised him—so he might as well get it over with.
After receiving a full update on the Land of Water from Daikokuten Zen, Kimimaro clapped the man's shoulder. "Well done. You've earned a reward."
He pulled out a test tube filled with a glowing solution. "Hold out your arm."
Zen obeyed, gritting his teeth as the substance was injected. His entire skeletal system felt like it was trying to push its way out of his body.
Then, suddenly, the pain faded. His limbs felt… denser. Stronger.
"What… what did you give me, My Lord?"
"You'll understand soon. You now possess a modified version of the Shikotsumyaku—the Corpse Bone Pulse. Hardened bone armor, enhanced healing, and increased physical durability. Consider it a blessing from the Taketori Clan."
It wasn't the pure Kaguya bloodline, but a diluted variant synthesized from the Taketori's remaining samples. Kimimaro wouldn't waste true treasures on someone of Zen's standing—but this gift was already beyond what most could dream of.
"Thank you for this honor, My Lord."
"Make good use of it. Here—" Kimimaro summoned a scroll and revealed a set of labeled syringes. "These are diluted super-soldier serums. One injection gives an ordinary person combat ability equivalent to a low-level Genin."
"I will distribute them wisely, My Lord. Only to the truly loyal."
"Good. I prepared 200 doses. That should be more than enough for you to take control of the nearby island zones."
Zen bowed deeply.
"And what of the Land of Water?"
"Maintain the appearance of submission, but act independently. Convince the Daimyō that your offshore control benefits him more than dragging you back into the Mist's fold. Also, begin sending your most trusted subordinates—gradually—to the Land of Vegetables. It's time to strengthen ties across territories."
Giving someone strength was only one part of loyalty. Ideological indoctrination ensured permanence.
After issuing final instructions, Kimimaro gathered his group. "Suigetsu, do you know where your brother would've hidden the swords?"
"Probably one of the clan's old secret vaults," Suigetsu replied. "But we'll have to dig around for the exact location."
"Then we'll split up. You take Ranmaru and head to the Hōzuki compound. Find Mangetsu's stash. Fubo and I will go after Hiramekarei."
Kimimaro clicked his tongue. "Seriously, why didn't your brother just keep all the blades together?"
"He probably stored the three in the vault ages ago. Hiramekarei, he kept on him. And trust me—he wouldn't have died inside the clan compound. If he had, Hiramekarei would've already been claimed by someone from our clan."
"Fair point." Kimimaro then added, "If you find any promising Hōzuki among them, bring them."
"You still want to recruit us?"
"Of course."
Suigetsu scratched his head. "Tch… I don't like dealing with the clan, but I'll try."
"It's just a side task. No pressure."
Before parting, Kimimaro made one last adjustment—he accelerated the synthesis of the Magnet Release Bloodline agent in his internal system. The material base had been sluggish to develop, needing more life energy, but he didn't want Ranmaru wandering into danger without an upgrade.
If needed, he could always seek Magnet Release for himself later.
Suigetsu and Ranmaru finally arrived at the outskirts of the old Hōzuki grounds.
"Yo, it's Suigetsu," someone sneered from the shadows. "Back from the dead, huh?"
"Muzuki, do you want to fight?"
"Tch, you think I'm scared of you?"
As soon as Suigetsu returned to the Hozuki clan's compound, he began clashing with the other clansmen. He had always been quick to fight and never one for diplomacy. But despite the chaos, none of the sparring turned fatal. In the Hidden Mist, strength was the currency of respect—and Suigetsu had plenty of it.
"Suigetsu, you finally decided to come back."
The clan's patriarch stepped forward, his face unreadable.
"My brother's dead. Of course I came back," Suigetsu said coldly.
"You have a heart, after all. His grave is over there. Mangetsu was constantly on missions before he died. We only recovered his body recently."
Suigetsu approached Mangetsu's grave without much visible emotion. The Hidden Mist Village, especially during the Bloody Mist era, had forged its shinobi to be ruthless, even toward their kin.
"Mangetsu... I always knew you'd die young. You were too strong, too fast, too early. But hearing you're gone still pisses me off."
He unslung the massive Executioner's Blade and stabbed it into the ground in front of the grave.
"See this? I got the Executioner's Blade. My partner got the Kiba blades. We're collecting them all—everything you couldn't finish."
A smirk played on his lips.
"I met someone—he's way stronger than you. Might even surpass the First Hokage. He's got the potential to become the next Ninja God. And guess what? I'm working with him. So yeah, maybe I'm more promising than you ever were."
He turned away from the grave.
"Rest easy, big bro. I'll make sure the Hozuki name doesn't fade."
Later, Suigetsu and Ranmaru returned to the clan hall to speak with the patriarch again.
"I want the swords my brother left behind."
"What swords?" the elder asked flatly.
"Don't play dumb. Kabutowari, Shibuki, and Nuibari. The ones Mangetsu collected before he died."
The elder crossed his arms.
"Those swords belong to the clan now. But if you're willing to return to us, to stay and serve the Hozuki name, then perhaps I'll hand them over."
"And if I'm not willing?"
The patriarch's expression hardened.
"Then you'll have to prove you're worthy. You know how our clan works—only the strong lead. If you want them, take them."
Suigetsu grinned, baring shark-like teeth.
"Just the way I like it."
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