"Could the Raijin Sword that Morino Itachi stole be a fake?"
The blade in his hands might not rival Samehada, but it was certainly on par with the Twin Blades of Hiramekarei—worthy of its reputation as the Second Hokage's legendary weapon.
In terms of sharpness alone, it was one of the most terrifying blades in the ninja world.
Logically, a sword this sharp should have been able to cleave through the Rasengan and Chidori. Yet, it was shattered by those two techniques instead.
Either the stolen Raijin Sword was a counterfeit, or Naruto and Yoru's jutsu were special—possibly backed by the hidden influence of Asura and Indra's chakra.
"Even water-natured chakra can activate the Raijin Sword."
When he channeled his chakra into the blade, a razor-sharp chakra edge instantly formed. A single light slash cleanly severed a kunai.
Truly a pure chakra blade—its destructive power was monstrous.
"Just a small input of chakra, yet it unleashes such a terrifying edge?"
Upon closer inspection, the Raijin Sword indeed contained amplification seals—even more intricate than those on Hiramekarei.
Yoru temporarily handed the sword to Umino Kohari for research, hoping she could reverse-engineer its principles.
"Clan Leader, this is the Raijin Sword! The Hokage actually entrusted it to you?"
Kohari was stunned.
As the Second Hokage's personal weapon, its political symbolism alone was immense. Combined with Yoru's mastery of Tobirama's water-style jutsu, it practically marked him as the Second's heir apparent.
Lightning Eel Training & Breakthroughs
After assigning the Raijin Sword research, Yoru headed to the fish market warehouse to train his body using electric eels.
The lightning from the Raijin Sword was far too violent for physical conditioning, but the eels' bioelectricity proved extremely effective—especially when combined with:
Bone Marrow Yang Release Secret Technique Infrasound Shockwaves Electric Stimulation
The trio of methods produced effects akin to "Tiger and Leopard Thunder Resonance", drastically enhancing his physique.
Results:
His taijutsu reached jonin level. Without opening the Eight Gates, he could now rival Might Dai in pure physical combat. He unlocked the Fifth Gate of the Eight Inner Gates.
(Though further progress would depend more on willpower than physical limits.)
Liquid Nitrogen & Technological Leap
Noticing the warehouse's poor freezing techniques (which ruined high-value fish), Yoru recalled liquid nitrogen—a simple yet effective solution.
Problem: He knew the basics (compressing air) but not the specifics.
Solution: Ask Orochimaru.
True to form, Orochimaru—the science god—instantly drafted two blueprints:
Hydraulic Compression Method Wind Release Cryogenic Air Separation
Both were efficient and easy to implement.
After a brief discussion on cell activation and Yang Release (cut short by Orochimaru's return to the Rain Country battlefield), Yoru used shadow clones and Flying Thunder God to mass-produce the device in Wave Country.
Outcome:
Successful liquid nitrogen production. Wave Country's fishing industry leveled up.
War Preparations: The 200-Man Unit
With Orochimaru's departure, official orders arrived:
"The Second Great Ninja War is unavoidable."
Sand and Stone Villages have entered the fray. Hanzo the Salamander faces a critical decision.
In response, the Konoha Hundred-Man Unit was:
Rebranded as the Frontline Mobile Support Force. Expanded to 200 members. Deployed to the Rain Country battlefield.
Promotions & New Appointments
Newly Promoted Jonin (with Hokage voting rights):
Umino Yoru Shirakumo Hayama Uchiha Shun Namikaze Raido
Transferred Out:
Shiranui Genma & Ebisu (reassigned as Daimyō guards in River Country).
Replacements:
Shiranui Hanare (Elite Chunin → Special Jonin) Inuzuka Ryou (Elite Chunin → Special Jonin)
Other Key Promotions (Special Jonin / Squad Leaders):
Kaguya Shigure Kurogane Ishi Yamashiro Midori Yamagami Yo Tatami Iwazō
Clan Support & Strategic Alliances
Most Konoha clans (except Uchiha, Shimura, and a few others) contributed forces, with major backing from:
Inuzuka Kurama Shukudō Gekkō Mitarashi Shiranui
Even the Hyūga sent a branch member—Hyūga Tobu—as a "diversified investment."
(Though Yoru despised the Hyūga's branch family oppression, he welcomed Tobu, a familiar face.)
Other notable recruits:
Gekkō Yoru (prodigy). Umino Ikkaku & his wife (forced by Hiruzen, replacing Mariichi Gensuke).
Unit Structure
Theoretical Full Strength:
3 Main Battalions + 7 Support Platoons 22 Platoons Total (~200 ninja).
Current Status: Understaffed (strict recruitment).
Planned Expansion: Recruit elites on the battlefield.
1. Taijutsu Battalion (Shirakumo Hayama)
Squad Leaders: Might Dai Namikaze Raido Shiranui Hanare Hyūga Tobu Gekkō Yoru Full Capacity: 46 ninja (15 squads).
2. Ninjutsu Battalion (Uchiha Shun)
Squad Leaders: Kaguya Shigure (Water) Umino Ikkaku (Fire) Tatami Iwazō (Earth) Vacant: Wind & Lightning (temporarily under Uchiha Shun).
3. Weaponry Battalion (Kurogane Ishi)
Squad Leaders: Yamagami Yo Shukudō Mitarashi Hyakuren
Support Platoons:
Genjutsu: Kurama Karin Sealing: Umino Kohari Medical: Kosuzu Scouting: Inuzuka Ryou Logistics: Yamashiro Midori Puppetry / Air Cavalry: (Unassigned; under Yoru's direct command.)
Personal Guard:
Fūjin & Raijin + Shiro (the giant wolf).