Chapter 2: Forging Island Must Survive!

"They say Forging Island hasn't produced a Ninjato on the level of the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Sword in decades, and there's probably no possibility of it happening in the future."

"And ordinary shinobi tools made in the Land of Iron aren't inferior to those made on Forging Island, and they're even cheaper."

"Therefore, there's no need for Forging Island to exist."

"Nor do we need blacksmiths anymore."

"It just so happens that the village is short-handed lately, so we can supplement the blacksmiths as mission ninjas."

"Some even say that even if we were to produce shinobi tools like the Seven Ninja Sword, it wouldn't matter."

"They say the so-called Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, when faced with just a Genin from Konoha, were utterly defeated, four killed on the spot, and the remaining three fled in disgrace."

"Even if we were to create shinobi tools comparable to the Seven Ninja Swords, it wouldn't matter."

Hoshigaki Kisame said indignantly.

"These people are just talking nonsense!"

Uehara Soma's expression turned even uglier.

Disbanding Forging Island not only means Uehara Soma loses the bonus to his forging skills, but the village also has to supplement the blacksmiths into mission ninjas, which is a disaster for Uehara Soma.

As a blacksmith, besides basic Ninjutsu, the focus is on learning forging techniques.

They're not skilled in combat at all.

In this situation, sending blacksmiths on missions is no different from sending them to their deaths given the danger and mortality rate of Hidden Mist Village missions.

"Forging Island must not be disbanded."

"And blacksmiths must not become mission ninjas."

Uehara Soma's eyes flickered with madness.

"The only way might be to forge Kiriichimonji before the village issues the order officially."

"If Forging Island has value, it won't be disbanded."

"If blacksmiths have value, they won't be assigned to missions."

"But with my current strength, it's probably difficult to successfully obtain materials by entering the Dungeon Instance."

"I need capable fighters."

Uehara Soma looked at Hoshigaki Kisame.

Hoshigaki Kisame's strength is good, even though he hasn't obtained Samehada yet, even though he's still relatively young.

However, possessing the Chakra Absorption Technique and Water Release is already quite impressive.

Moreover, Hoshigaki Kisame is Uehara Soma's only friend at present.

That is, Hoshigaki Kisame is the only one Uehara Soma could possibly recruit.

"Kisame, you previously mentioned that your dream is to own a Ninjato comparable to the Seven Ninja Swords, is that still true?"

Hoshigaki Kisame was taken aback by Uehara Soma's question. Now isn't the time to discuss his dreams; the current issue is the future of Forging Island and the blacksmiths.

But Hoshigaki Kisame still nodded.

"Of course."

"No matter what the cost?"

"Absolutely."

Hoshigaki Kisame said, "Since I was young, my dream has been to own such a Ninjato, to become a figure similar to the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Even if it means paying any price, I have no problem with it."

Uehara Soma looked away, gazing at the sea.

"In fact, before my sensei passed away, he told me something."

Uehara Soma decided to attribute the system's abilities to his deceased sensei.

Since the person is already gone, there's no one to confirm it.

Whatever Uehara Soma says, others have to believe.

That's the advantage of the "deceased." And the Thug Recruitment Token guarantees confidentiality.

"The reason Forging Island can't produce Ninjato comparable to the Seven Ninja Swords is twofold: firstly, Forging Island's blacksmiths are lacking compared to Senpai in terms of technique."

"But more importantly, it's the issue of Materials."

Initially, my sensei's sensei obtained the Materials from a place called the Forging Master Spiritual Land, which led to the completion of the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.

"However, entering this Forging Master Spiritual Land is a very difficult task."

"Firstly, one needs to comprehend the forging techniques to a certain extent."

"Secondly, a special physique is required."

"Similar to a Kekkei Genkai."

"Furthermore, it's extremely dangerous inside."

Hoshigaki Kisame's eyes widened slightly as he processed the information Uehara Soma revealed.

Uehara Soma continued.

"My sensei gave me a lot of help before he died."

"So now, in fact, many conditions have been met for me. I possess the special physique my sensei mentioned, and just a few days ago, I had an epiphany, meeting the requirements for forging techniques."

"But there's still one problem, and that is, my personal combat strength is insufficient."

"To enter the Forging Master Spiritual Land and obtain forging Materials, one needs to engage in combat."

"But I'm not good at combat."

Uehara Soma withdrew his gaze and looked at Hoshigaki Kisame.

"Kisame, I need your help."

Hoshigaki Kisame snapped out of his thoughts.

"Soma, how can I help?"

Uehara Soma took out the Thug Recruitment Token and handed it to Hoshigaki Kisame, saying, "This is the contract for the Forging Master Spiritual Land. If you agree to this contract, I can summon you out in the Forging Master Spiritual Land."

"I need you, Kisame, to help me in combat."

Uehara Soma didn't directly mention the Thug Recruitment Token, but used a different approach.

The effect is the same, but it feels different when people hear it.

Directly saying 'thug' or something similar is too disrespectful.

"As long as we successfully obtain the Materials in the Forging Master Spiritual Land, I can forge a decent Ninjato."

"Perhaps this could solve the crisis for Forging Island and the blacksmiths."

"If you happen to fancy the Ninjato I forge, Kisame, then consider it your reward. How about that?"

Hoshigaki Kisame waved his hand.

"Whether there's a reward or not, there's no need for that, Soma. You're my friend, and helping you out is what friends do. There's no need to talk about rewards. It's just a fight, completely fine."

As he spoke, a hint of excitement appeared on Hoshigaki Kisame's face.

"Soma, even if I wasn't helping you out, I'd still gladly participate in such a fight."

"I never thought there'd be a place like the Forging Master Spiritual Land."

"Soma, when do we take action?"

Hoshigaki Kisame didn't hesitate one bit; he agreed to the contract of the Thug Recruitment Token.

A glimmer flashed on the recruitment token.

Then, the color of the recruitment token changed slightly.

Uehara Soma looked at Hoshigaki Kisame, feeling somewhat touched.

Considering the current situation, Hoshigaki Kisame definitely wasn't here just for the reward of the Ninjato. Even Soma wasn't entirely certain he could forge a very good Ninjato, so Hoshigaki Kisame couldn't be sure either.

Therefore, Hoshigaki Kisame's straightforward agreement was entirely due to the friendship between the two.

It was to help Uehara Soma, not for any ulterior motive.

"Are you ready, Kisame?"

Hoshigaki Kisame's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"I'm ready anytime."

Uehara Soma took out the Blueprint of Kiriichimonji, his mind made up.

"Alright, then let's do it now."