Land of Water, Kirigakure.
After the First Shinobi World War, the death of the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki, who perished together with the Second Tsuchikage Mū from Iwagakure, dealt a heavy blow to Kirigakure. In the aftermath, even the economy of the Land of Water was dragged into a prolonged slump.
At this critical moment, Kirigakure began a series of reforms that manifested in all aspects of the village's politics, economy, culture, and military. But most crucially, the most senior figure, Mizuki Sora, succeeded as the Third Mizukage, which greatly stabilized the morale of all Kirigakure shinobi.
The Third Tsuchikage of neighboring Iwagakure was just some young upstart, while their Lord Mizuki was a legendary shinobi who had served under the First Mizukage, Byakuren, and even participated in the Five Kage Summit back in the day.
Under his leadership, Kirigakure quickly regained its vigor, breaking free from the previous slump and flourishing day by day.
Of course, this wasn't solely Mizuki Sora's achievement. Certain policies left behind by the Second Mizukage also played a vital role.
For example, the direct subordinates he established—the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
These seven individuals are not only elite ninjas who passed the rigorous selection process of Kirigakure, but each is also equipped with a unique sword tailored to their ninjutsu.
When working together, the seven can even conquer a small nation overnight.
Such formidable combat prowess isn't solely due to the inherent strength of these Kirigakure ninjas—their legendary swords also play a significant role.
Speaking of their ninja swords, their origins are even more impressive. Tracing back to their roots, they were all crafted by the most renowned swordsmiths of Kirigakure, and these swordsmiths all hailed from a forging guild known as "Zantetsu."
It is said that this guild was heavily supported by the late Mizukage, Gengetsu, specifically to supply combat blades for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Their craftsmanship was exquisite, and the swords they forged resonated perfectly with their wielders, boasting formidable power. On the battlefield, these blades once became decisive factors in turning the tide of war.
On this day, the "Zantetsu Guild" welcomed three very special guests.
The moment these three appeared, they blasted the guild's gates to smithereens.
The young man leading the group had his eyes covered with black silk, his teeth white as jade and skin pale as snow. With each unhurried step, he exuded an ethereal grace that set him apart from the mundane world.
To his right stood a tall, aloof beauty with cascading black hair, carrying a war fan and sickle on her back. The antiquated Warring States-era armor she wore accentuated her voluptuous yet elegant curves.
On his left was a ferocious-looking brute with a towering frame. His eyes burned like demons from hell, glowing with an eerie green hue—the same man who had blasted the guild's entrance to splinters.
Perhaps "guests" wasn't the most accurate term for them. They arrived with such menacing presence that they might as well have been debt collectors come to claim what was owed.
"Gendo Kawakami, get out here now!"
Kakuzu's deep roar rolled through the air like distant thunder, his gravelly voice reverberating throughout the merchant guild.
"How dare you!"
"You're asking for death!"
Two ninjas from Kirigakure leaped out, their faces filled with anger. One hurled an explosive-tagged kunai while the other swiftly formed hand seals.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Jutsu!"
A roaring water dragon suddenly materialized, charging toward the trio alongside a blazing explosive-tagged kunai—more precisely, aiming straight for Kamihane at the center.
Kamihane remained utterly composed, standing motionless with his hands clasped behind his back like a true blind man, completely disregarding the incoming attacks.
On his left, Kakuzu extended a pitch-black arm and grabbed the kunai. With a "boom" of explosion, nothing remained but a few wisps of dissipating black smoke.
On his right, a massive war fan appeared before Kamihane, intercepting both the water dragon and the surging waves, the handle bending slightly from the impact.
"Uchiha Reflection," Hikari's voice carried an icy chill.
"Boom!"
A flash of white light, and the storm of flames rolled forth, instantly engulfing the two Mist ninja in a sea of fire, leaving no trace of their remains.
"They killed them!"
"Murder!!"
The trade association immediately descended into chaos. Many employees were just ordinary villagers who had never witnessed such carnage before. They scurried around the building like headless chickens, some even losing control of their bladders in terror, fearing a fireball might come crashing through the walls at any moment.
At this moment, Kamihane spoke, his clear and gentle voice echoing through the air.
"The person we're looking for is Togawa Gensho, the president of your chamber of commerce. As for the rest of you, leave now if you value your lives."
The crowd regained some composure, but everyone remained deathly silent, not daring to make any rash moves.
Just then, a long-faced middle-aged man among the crowd had a glint in his eyes. Seeing that Kamihane's trio showed no intention of charging in, he dashed out of the building, fled the chamber, and sprinted "thud thud thud" toward the Mizukage's office at full speed.
"Huh? You're really leaving?"
Kamihane's smile carried a hint of surprise as he casually raised his hand in a gun gesture without even looking.
"Water Release: Water Gun."
With a "whoosh" sound, a water droplet shot from his fingertip, instantly piercing through the middle-aged man's back. He collapsed like a rolling gourd, crimson blossoms of blood blooming across the ground.
"You didn't let me finish—I was referring to ordinary civilians," Kamihane added. "As for shinobi, if any dare to step outside the merchant guild, they'll be killed on sight."
He raised his voice, "Now, does anyone else wish to leave?"
Having learned from the previous example, no one dared to step forward now. Whether shinobi or common folk, they all huddled inside the merchant guild's building, not daring to show their faces.
"Very well." Kamihane smiled.
Taking advantage of this moment, the people of Kirigakure quickly surrounded them, with figures encircling the trio from all sides. At the forefront stood the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure, Mizuki Sora.
"Who are you?"
Perhaps sensing the trio's strength, Mizuki Sora didn't immediately order an attack. Instead, he asked in a grave tone.
"Uchiha..." Kamihane slowly turned his head. "Kamihane."
"!!!"
Mizuki Sora's eyes suddenly widened, his pupils constricting sharply, an undisguised look of horror appearing on his face.
'What's going on?'
'Why is this harbinger of doom here?'
'Who in our Mist Village has offended him?'
Cold sweat instantly covered his forehead as his throat went dry, his pounding heart threatening to leap out of his mouth.
He had been present at Konoha's banquet celebrating Princess Tsunade's hundredth day!
He had personally witnessed how Hōzuki Gengetsu was nearly scared out of his wits.
Not only that, but he had also personally witnessed how this madman called "Kamihane" bombarded Konoha, how he openly declared war before the Five Kage led by the First Hokage, and then, with just a single spiritual body, toyed with the Kage as if they were mere playthings!
Most importantly, this guy seemed to have... killed both the First and Second Hokage!
Back then, he had even felt fortunate that Konoha had provoked such a calamity, but today...
"Lord Kamihane, I don't recall us having any grievances between us..." The Third Mizukage forced a dry laugh.
Kamihane smiled politely, "Indeed, there's no grudge between us. But if you continue to attack, then there will be."
The Third Mizukage immediately caught his meaning, "No, no, we were just here to welcome you properly."
He turned and scolded the surrounding ninja, "What are you all doing? Put away your weapons immediately. If there's nothing else, disperse at once."
The Kirigakure shinobi were all puzzled, unable to understand why their normally stern and aloof Mizukage would be so courteous today.
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