"Xiguashan-sama, the new batch of supplies and reinforcements has arrived on schedule. The leading jōnin is the recently promoted Kaguya Rei. The other key combatant accompanying him is Terumi Mei of the Terumi clan, who possesses two kekkei genkai."
At the eastern front of the Land of Fire, inside Kirigakure's forward command post, an intelligence shinobi reported calmly to the towering figure before him.
Xiguashan Kihō—massive, grotesque, like a slab of living muscle—nodded slowly.
"So the reinforcements are here… I see. Take them to familiarize themselves with their assigned duties. On Konoha's side, it's about time they chose a proper commander to oppose us."
"Yes."
The chūnin withdrew quickly, leaving only Xiguashan and another member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—Momochi Zabuz… no.
Biwa Jūzō.
With the Executioner's Blade slung across his back, Jūzō let out a low chuckle.
"Oh? So the one sent to reinforce us is that Kaguya brat who's been making waves lately…"
His scarred face twisted into a feral grin.
"The Third really favors him. Promoted straight from ANBU to jōnin, then immediately tossed onto the front line. Planning to use the war to fully polish his reputation?"
"Most likely," Xiguashan replied flatly, eyes fixed on the jagged battle map spread across the table.
"Kirigakure has stayed out of war for too long. If we're going to ignite the flames again, we need more than just the Seven Swordsmen—we need a new symbol. Someone who proves that the Mist's strength is inherited, not exhausted."
"Konoha did exactly that," he continued.
"During the Second War, they put forward the Sannin and the White Fang. In this war, they have the Yellow Flash—Namikaze Minato—who nearly crushed Iwagakure by himself."
"Ohhh… Namikaze Minato," Jūzō laughed softly. "Wasn't that the guy whose head this Kaguya brat stepped on to leap straight into jōnin rank?"
"Yes. That achievement alone justified the Third's decision."
Xiguashan circled a heavily contested Konoha stronghold on the map with his finger.
"We're at war. If our rising star can suppress Konoha's pride, their morale will crack. The brighter Kaguya Rei shines, the weaker Konoha's will to resist becomes."
"In chaotic times, that's how it works. Whoever stands above the fallen inherits their fame."
Jūzō raised an eyebrow.
"So… before we go all-in on promoting him, you want to personally verify whether he's worthy."
"This stronghold," Xiguashan said coldly.
"No tricks. No terrain advantage. Pure frontal assault."
"A perfect stage for a Kaguya."
Jūzō whistled.
"That's one hell of a trial."
"The Third doesn't need a hero," Xiguashan finished.
"He needs a blade. One that makes Konoha fear."
"A blade that never questions its wielder."
Jūzō's smile faded, replaced by something darker.
"…A blade like that," he murmured, "has a habit of turning into a demon sword."
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
patreon.com/Inkveil_