"You said you encountered the White Fang of Konoha?"
The commander-in-chief of the frontline base of Kirigakure Village, Master Genji—a highly respected elder—asked calmly. In the original timeline, he lived until Terumi Mei succeeded as the Fifth Mizukage.
"Yes," Terumi Mei nodded, then gave Zenkichi a slightly complicated look.
"The reason we were able to return alive from the hands of Konoha's White Fang was because Zenkichi displayed incredible strength."
She didn't hesitate to report Zenkichi's impressive performance to Genji. She believed talents like his shouldn't be overlooked.
"Oh?"
Master Genji raised an eyebrow in surprise and cast a scrutinizing gaze toward Zenkichi.
He was well aware of Zenkichi's reputation—a classic underachiever in Kirigakure. However, ever since Zenkichi acquired the Kizaru template, he had inherited a terrifying degree of natural talent.
Although the full strength of the Kizaru template had yet to be unlocked, the immense talent came instantly. Kizaru's raw ability was among the highest-tier in his original world.
Where others had to claw their way to the top with endless effort and danger, Kizaru reached general-level power with a laid-back, almost lazy attitude. He was living proof that natural talent could rival even the most brutal training regimens.
It wasn't just the Light Fruit—Kizaru could fight on par with legendary warriors like Silvers Rayleigh and Z, even relying on swordsmanship alone. His physical prowess and technique were undeniably at a quasi-admiral level.
(As said by Google, Kizaru is quite skilled in swordsmanship.)
With that talent now residing in Zenkichi, he had already become one of the top prodigies in Kirigakure.
While his ninjutsu might not have been outstanding, his physical capabilities and kenjutsu skills were astonishing.
Elsewhere, such talent might go underappreciated. But in the land of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—Kirigakure—it was a prized trait.
Unfortunately, Zenkichi had been mimicking Kizaru's personality a little too well: his detached, uninterested attitude made him look like a slacker. That "salty fish" demeanor led to hesitation from the higher-ups.
The bloody legacy of Kirigakure wasn't solely the fault of Uchiha Obito. He may have manipulated the Mizukage, but no one could enforce the Blood Mist policies without widespread support.
Kirigakure traditionally valued brutality and ferocity. Zenkichi's chill persona made the elders uneasy.
Still, if Terumi Mei claimed he had driven off Konoha's White Fang, they couldn't ignore his value.
"In that case, let the Seven Ninja Swordsmen test his strength," Master Genji finally said after a moment's thought.
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
Zenkichi's face twitched. "Each one is a freakishly strong monster. That's terrifying."
He shot Terumi Mei a side glance, clearly blaming her for dragging him into this.
Understanding his meaning, Terumi Mei responded firmly, "You have talent and strength. It would be a waste to let them go unused."
Terumi Mei was ambitious. Without that drive, she never would've become the Fifth Mizukage.
Seeing Zenkichi's strength sparked some jealousy in her. If she had that level of ability, she would already be contending for the title of Fourth Mizukage.
The current Mizukage, the Third—Shirakawa—was aging. Once this war ended, he was expected to step down.
Knowing she couldn't win that race herself, Terumi Mei decided to support Zenkichi instead. Backing the next Mizukage would earn her plenty of influence—a path to fulfill her ambitions.
Zenkichi curled his lip. "But I just want to live a nice, chill life—show up to missions, clock in, clock out. That's the dream."
Terumi Mei was fuming. "Is that something a real person would say?!"
"No way," she snapped. "You can't waste your potential."
Zenkichi shrugged, too lazy to argue. Of course, if he didn't have any talent, he wouldn't bother. But to keep growing, he had to maintain the façade.
Ah… hypocrisy. The true mark of a high-level ninja village.
The path to power was always full of complications.
---
"Master Genji, you want us to fight this kid?"
The Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish Ghost (Hōzuki Mangetsu's predecessor), carrying Samehada on his shoulder, looked Zenkichi up and down with a smirk.
The Kirigakure ninja system was chaotic—riddled with infighting. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, despite their strength, barely respected the chain of command.
Zenkichi wasn't surprised. Hands in pockets, he stood facing the Seven Ninja Swordsmen calmly.
"Don't underestimate him," Genji said coldly. "He repelled Konoha's White Fang. Even if all of you go together, you might not beat him."
The Pufferfish Ghost snorted. "This brat? Repelled the White Fang? You're kidding me, right?"
Juzo grinned wickedly. "Alright, no need for chatter. We're all busy. I'll take care of him myself. Don't blame me if I cut him in half."
Genji glanced at Zenkichi, who only muttered, "Cut me in two? That's scary… Juzo-san really is a monster."
Laughter broke out among the others—the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were definitely a strange bunch.
"You're asking for it," Juzo snarled.
With a flicker, he used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared right beside Zenkichi. The Executioner's Blade swung down mercilessly—
Slice!
Zenkichi's body split in half—top and bottom separated cleanly, falling limply to the ground.
"How scary! You really cut me in two… that's so mean!"
Zenkichi exclaimed dramatically as he lay motionless.
Everyone's expression changed in an instant.
There was no blood.
Where he was "cut," golden light shimmered. The severed pieces broke into glimmering particles, reformed, and Zenkichi stood again—completely unharmed.
---
Send Powerstones. I won't ask for reviews yet since the fic just started.