Chapter 48: The Selection of the Seven Swordsmen Begins
The past two days had been unusually lively in Kirigakure.
News of the upcoming selection for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had spread throughout the entire village in less than a day.
The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist were a name synonymous with power—not just within the village, but throughout shinobi history.
Ordinarily, their appointments were decided in advance, handpicked by higher authorities.
But this time, the selection was open to anyone, and the announcement came directly from the Mizukage's office—personally confirmed by Lady Mei Terumi herself.
The event would be jointly overseen by Chojuro, wielder of the Twin Swords Hiramekarei, and members of the Hozuki Clan.
In an instant, the entire village was abuzz. For many common-born shinobi, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a name for themselves.
...
At Utakata's residence.
Utakata sat under a tree with a helpless look on his face as Ranmaru bounced excitedly back and forth in front of him.
Even though two days had passed, Ranmaru still hadn't calmed down. He kept hopping around the clearing with unrestrained joy.
He had never dreamed that one day he would walk—truly walk—without weakness or pain.
It was a gift granted by Lord Yuto himself. Every time he thought of that, admiration flickered brightly in his eyes.
Even though Lord Yuto had said he didn't need eyes, Ranmaru was determined that he would one day become his greatest support.
Utakata watched him quietly, faint curiosity flickering in his usually indifferent gaze.
As the one who had brought Ranmaru back, he knew the boy's physical condition better than anyone.
And because he knew, he couldn't understand—what kind of ninjutsu could make a person born crippled recover completely?
His eyes shifted briefly to the small black rhombus mark at the center of Ranmaru's forehead. Somehow, he had a feeling that mark was connected.
Even the Six-Tails within him had told him that Ranmaru carried an immense, unfamiliar chakra inside his body.
Utakata withdrew his gaze and leaned back lazily against the tree. His curiosity remained, but only faintly—if Ranmaru hadn't been dancing around in front of him, he would have preferred to nap in peace.
Light footsteps sounded from the distance. Utakata didn't bother opening his eyes; he already knew who it was.
Kimimaro approached, his face pale, the frailty in his body still faintly apparent.
But his eyes were clear and focused. The constant pain that had plagued him for years had already lessened thanks to Lord Yuto's treatment.
He could feel his illness being slowly suppressed.
"For now, do not use ninjutsu," Yuto said calmly, looking at Kimimaro. "Avoid using chakra altogether if you can. And in the future, when using Shikotsumyaku, throw away the bones you extract—never reintegrate them into your body."
"Yes, Lord Yuto," Kimimaro replied respectfully.
"Lord Yuto!"
A cheerful voice called out. Ranmaru came running up, his small face lit with excitement.
Yuto turned toward him, smiling slightly.
Of all the surprises since his resurrection, Ranmaru had been the most unexpected—and the most satisfying.
Given his original condition, Yuto had never imagined the boy would be able to absorb five to six times more cursed chakra than his body should have tolerated.
Now, Ranmaru might look like an ordinary child on the surface, but once he activated his Cursed Seal, his strength could rise to that of a full-fledged jōnin. Combined with his Red Eye Bloodline Limit, even an experienced jōnin might not defeat him.
For Yuto, it was a delightful surprise—a miracle born of willpower. Ranmaru's sheer determination to stand and walk had far exceeded Yuto's expectations. That obsession, coupled with his unyielding spirit, had made survival possible.
Yuto reached out and gently ruffled Ranmaru's hair, speaking softly.
"How well have you learned to control your power?"
"Lord Yuto, Ranmaru can now enter the Cursed Seal state at any time. I never imagined that my Bloodline Limit would actually help me master it even better!"
Ranmaru's voice was cheerful as he spoke, enjoying the gentle touch of Yuto's hand on his head.
Yuto's eyes lit up slightly. The Red Eye ability was essentially a counterpart to the Byakugan—perhaps even superior to it in some aspects.
Of course, compared to the Tenseigan, it still fell short.
"I knew I'd find you here, Lord Yuto."
A soft and slightly teasing voice came from behind.
Yuto turned, mild surprise flickering in his eyes, and saw Mei Terumi walking toward him at a calm, unhurried pace.
"Tch, Mizukage-sama herself taking a stroll today? That's rare," Yuto said with a faintly mocking smile.
Mei rolled her eyes and spread her hands. "Did you forget today's the selection for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen? Most of the village's shinobi are there, so I have a little free time."
Her gaze shifted toward Kimimaro and Ranmaru standing beside Yuto.
When her eyes fell on Ranmaru, her expression softened with curiosity. She stepped forward and gently patted his head before turning to Yuto with a playful smile.
"So this is the child who surprised even you."
Feeling her hand, Ranmaru's face flushed red. He quickly stepped back and hid behind Yuto, embarrassed.
Yuto smiled lightly and nodded, though his expression turned slightly more serious. "It seems the Kinoshita Clan couldn't hold back any longer."
Mei's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You're right, Lord Yuto. They spent quite a sum to have me personally invite you."
"Haha, looks like you made them pay dearly," Yuto laughed, his tone amused. Then he added, "Come on. It's time for the show to begin."
As Mizukage Mei and Yuto walked off together, Ranmaru blinked thoughtfully. Remembering their mention of the Seven Swordsmen selection, a spark of curiosity appeared in his eyes.
He turned and dashed toward a large tree, where Utakata sat half-reclined, eyes closed, appearing to nap.
"Lord Utakata, do you know what the Seven Swordsmen are?" Ranmaru asked eagerly, shaking his shoulder gently.
Utakata sighed and opened his eyes, already guessing what the boy wanted to know. To avoid being pestered further, he said flatly, "If you can become one of the Seven Swordsmen, you'll definitely be of great help to Lord Yuto."
At those words, Ranmaru's eyes lit up like stars. Without another word, he spun around and ran straight toward the center of Kirigakure.
Watching him leave, Utakata closed his eyes again and murmured, "Troublesome brat."
...
In the heart of Kirigakure.
The large training grounds were packed—truly a sea of people. Nearly every shinobi in the village had gathered there.
Most had come out of curiosity.
After all, this was the first time in the history of Kirigakure that the selection for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had no restrictions at all.
(End of Chapter)
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