Chapter 7: Third Mizukage's Shock!
"Please announce our presence."
"Mizukage-sama said no one is to disturb him when he's busy."
"We have very important matters."
The guard ninja narrowed his eyes.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Uehara Soma was somewhat surprised by the hostility of the Hidden Mist Village ninja.
However, upon second thought, isn't heavy hostility a characteristic of the Hidden Mist Ninja?
It's just that the situation on Forging Island is slightly different.
The guard ninja's gaze fell on Hoshigaki Kisame.
Hoshigaki Kisame showed no intention of backing down.
After a while.
"I'll go report to Mizukage-sama, you wait here, don't enter without permission, otherwise, you won't be able to bear the consequences of angering Mizukage-sama."
With that said, the guard ninja turned and entered Mizukage's Building.
At this time, a figure quietly left Mizukage's Building, unnoticed by anyone.
Before long, the guard ninja returned.
"Mizukage-sama has allowed you to enter."
Uehara Soma and Hoshigaki Kisame entered Mizukage's Building.
Zabuza followed quietly behind.
Uehara Soma observed the Third Mizukage sitting across from him.
Long hair, slender eyes, he seemed like a very calm and gentle person.
His speech was slow and deliberate.
There was no trace of impatience about him.
However, the Bloody Mist era began precisely during the reign of the Third Mizukage.
Uehara Soma was uncertain whether it was Uchiha Madara who controlled the Third Mizukage from the beginning, creating the Bloody Mist policy, or if the Third Mizukage himself had such intentions.
But whether it was the former or the latter, it proved that the current Third Mizukage was not as he appeared.
"Please, sit."
The Third Mizukage closed the document in his hand, rubbed his temples, then forced a smile, looking at Uehara Soma and his companions.
"Matsumoto told me you have something very important. What is it?"
Uehara Soma presented the Kiriichimonji in his hand.
"Mizukage-sama, this is the Ninjato I just forged, named Kiriichimonji."
"Ninjato?"
The Third Mizukage took it, examining it closely.
"Not bad at all. The blade, its sharpness, its durability—among Ninjato, it's all of exquisite quality."
The Third Mizukage commented, then looked at Uehara Soma.
"What's your name?"
"I'm Uehara Soma, Mizukage-sama, a disciple of Sensei Kuwagi."
"Kuwagi, hmm."
The Third Mizukage's expression brightened with recognition.
"Kuwagi once forged a Ninjato for me, it was very impressive, ranking just below the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords level."
"Among the many smiths on Forging Island, Kuwagi's skill is among the best."
"How time flies, before you know it, Kuwagi's disciples are already grown up like this."
"If Kuwagi were still alive and saw you forge such a quality Ninjato, he would surely feel immensely proud."
"With young successors like you on Forging Island, there's no need to worry."
But suddenly, the Third Mizukage's expression stiffened slightly.
Because the Third Mizukage remembered.
Not long ago, he had officially ordered the closure of Forging Island, revoking the status of all smiths and integrating them into ordinary mission ninjas.
The Third Mizukage glanced at Uehara Soma, then at Zabuza.
It was Zabuza who was tasked with the clearance of Forging Island.
The Third Mizukage immediately understood Uehara Soma's intention.
"Soma, the Ninjato you forged is indeed impressive."
The Third Mizukage said, "However, on the battlefield, such Ninjato, compared to those from the Land of Iron, doesn't have much difference. The village must consider the interests of the entire village."
"The existence of Forging Island now has a negative impact on the village."
"The consumption of a smith is substantial."
"If it were a time of peace, the village could sustain it."
"But, currently, the war is raging."
"I know this is a cruel thing for you all."
"But, Soma, for the sake of the village, I have to make such a decision."
The Third Mizukage spoke with tact, but it was clear.
That is, the existence of smiths now, the existence of Forging Island, are burdens for the Hidden Mist Village.
This is indeed a fact.
A smith consumes a vast amount of resources.
Just like the Puppetry masters of the Hidden Sand Village.
Apart from talent, resource consumption is also a major issue faced by Puppetry masters.
Otherwise, why are there so few Puppetry masters in the Hidden Sand Village?
Is there really no one else with the talent?
Impossible.
The real key lies in resources.
In fact, most ninjas are not wealthy.
They dare not even buy a few extra Explosive Tags.
Many ninjas' tools are recycled multiple times by Soma.
The consumption of resources by smiths is not as terrifying as Puppetry masters, and the things they produce can ultimately be used, it's just that the cost is considerably higher than that of tools from the Land of Iron.
But facing the wartime conditions of the Hidden Mist Village, the Third Mizukage doesn't want to invest in these resources anymore.
It's not just the Third Mizukage.
Other village elders are the same.
"Unless you can forge a Ninjato of the same level as the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords, but that should be unlikely."
The Third Mizukage said.
The Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords were all forged by the same smith.
It's because of this smith that Forging Island exists, and that there are so many smiths afterward.
But after this smith, there hasn't been another Ninjato of that caliber.
Therefore, within the Hidden Mist Village, there is a saying.
"The strength of the Hidden Mist Village's forging technique isn't what's strong; it's just that Great Blacksmith."
The Third Mizukage also agrees with this viewpoint.
And that blacksmith has long since passed away.
The Third Mizukage doesn't believe there will be a second blacksmith like him.
"Mizukage-sama."
Uehara Soma said, "I think Kiriichimonji should be comparable to the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords."
"You see, Soma, you also know that's...?"
Suddenly, the Third Mizukage's expression stiffened for a moment. The first half of the sentence slipped out involuntarily, only then did the Third Mizukage realize that Uehara Soma wasn't saying that Kiriichimonji is inferior to the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.
What he was saying is that Kiriichimonji has reached the level of the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.
The Third Mizukage looked at Uehara Soma, his expression becoming serious.
"Soma, you're saying this Ninjato has reached the level of the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords?"
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
Uehara Soma said, "The Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords are all very excellent Ninjato: the Twinsword Hiramekarei, the Seversword Executioner's Blade, the long sword Sewing Needle, the blunted sword Helmet Splitter, the Thunder Swords Kiba, the Blastsword Splash, and the Greatsword Samehada."
"Hiramekarei can amplify Chakra."
"Executioner's Blade can self-repair."
"Sewing Needle has extremely strong penetrating power."
"Helmet Splitter can cut through anything."
"Kiba comes with extremely strong Lightning Release."
"Splash adds Explosive Tag damage."
"Samehada absorbs Chakra."
"The Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords each have their own special abilities."
"Kiriichimonji does too."
"Kiriichimonji inflicts wounds that undergo a special effect. Within 10 days, they cannot heal. Only after 10 days will the effect on the wound disappear."
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