Chapter 78 : Futsu Soul Sword

Kōza Kubisaki's Precious Treasure?!

Orochimaru felt invigorated as he took the package, examining its contents. Inside, he found a short sword, a gold seal, and a scroll.

He first focused on the exquisite gold seal. The craftsmanship was remarkable, undoubtedly the emblem of Land of Neck.

Kōza Kubisaki hailed from a small country, yet he held both fame and was a Daimyo of a region. Though this seal held little practical value, it was a collector's piece nonetheless.

Turning his attention to the peculiar short sword, Orochimaru marvelled at its slender form and razor-sharp edge. He couldn't discern its composition, but a strange artistic warmth emanated from its touch.

Wrapped in coarse cloth without a scabbard, the sword emitted an aura of oppression that put Orochimaru on edge. An artifact! This was undoubtedly an artifact!

Orochimaru was taken aback and gingerly held the sword. Suddenly, an immense suction force emanated from the hilt, drawing in Orochimaru's spiritual power. After a brief while, the force subsided.

The peculiar sword, now infused with spiritual power, emitted a misty white light. Its sword appeared somewhat translucent, exuding a sharp energy that urged Orochimaru to test its edge.

Initially dismissing the sword, Shiromari soon became wary once Orochimaru held it. Shiromari's body tensed, and it instinctively retreated.

A ninja beast as formidable as Shiromari feeling fear before the sword spoke volumes about its extraordinary nature.

With a swift motion, Orochimaru hurled the sword. The sword transformed into a streak of light, penetrating the mountain wall like a knife through butter. It pierced through rock and soared into the open air.

"Return!" Orochimaru exclaimed, astonished at his own action. He seemed to have discovered the sword's unique method of attack.

It appeared this sword could be controlled through mental power, serving as a long-range weapon similar to the Kusanagi sword, albeit with a focus on ranged combat.

With joy in his heart, Orochimaru inspected the sword. His mental power had been significantly drained by the ordeal. Orochimaru realized that mastering this weapon's potential would require formidable mental strength, akin to that of a Kage level shinobi.

"This sword seems more than just a weapon with brute strength. Its mental power consumption is substantial," Orochimaru pondered.

Shiromari interjected, "This sword is known as Futsu-no-Mitama no Tsurugi (Sword of the Sacred Spirit of Futsu). Passed down by the ancestors of Kōza Kubisaki, even Kōza Kubisaki couldn't wield it. I never expected you could!"

Orochimaru was taken aback. The Futsu no Mitama Sword (Futsu Soul Sword) was one of the Three Spirit Swords, making it potentially as potent as the Sword of Totsuka and the Kusanagi Sword.

Each artifact held unique powers. They were no ordinary weapons, especially in the hands of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The fact that Itachi wielded two of them contributed to his exceptional strength.

The origin of these artifacts remained shrouded in mystery, potentially predating even the era of the shinobi.

"According to Kōza Kubisaki, the Futsu Soul Sword not only inflicts physical damage but directly targets the soul. Regardless of the enemy's strength, they will suffer enduring pain and debilitation," Shiromari explained, visibly perturbed by the sword's capabilities.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile. This sword seemed tailor-made for him.

His Soul Flame was capable of soul damage but required time-consuming seals, rendering it less effective in rapid combat situations. This sword, on the other hand, could inflict direct soul damage, making it a formidable weapon against powerful opponents.

Additionally, this weapon could pose a significant threat to Orochimaru's own immortality, as he lacked a defense against soul-based attacks.

Orochimaru's thoughts shifted to his impending clash with Pain. Defeating Pain was a long-term goal, and some of Pain's abilities remained difficult to counter. Orochimaru envisioned using this sword to wound Pain grievously in any future encounter.

This weapon also evoked Orochimaru's fear. The one most terrified of its ability is himself. It was an ironic twist that he, who sought immortality, was now confronted with a weapon that could permanently damage his own soul.

He resolved to further strengthen himself to avoid such vulnerabilities in the future.

Turning his attention to Itachi's two artifacts, Orochimaru pondered their origins. The source of these weapons remained a mystery, unaddressed even in the original texts. Orochimaru's search had proven fruitless.

And then there was the enigmatic Sword of Totsuka, a weapon Orochimaru greatly desired.

Orochimaru played with the sword, entranced by its allure. Eventually, he performed "Swallow the White sword" and concealed it within himself.

Next was the scroll. With anticipation, Orochimaru unfurled it, revealing the kenjutsu techniques, forms, and potent ninjutsu of Kōza Kubisaki.

Kōza Kubisaki's kenjutsu belonged to an ancient samurai clan dating back to the Warring States Period.

As the age of the ninja eclipsed that of the samurai, Kubisaki adapted, mastering formidable ninjutsu while securing a powerful summoning beast like Shiromari by his side. Unfortunately, Kubisaki's strength remained insufficient, his vision too limited. Ultimately, he fell victim to a conspiracy, a fate that might have been averted had he survived. He could have become a Hanzo-like figure in time.

Orochimaru perused the sword manual, studying Phantom Sword Techniques. These moves were unyielding, prioritizing the enemy's destruction even at the expense of personal defense. It was a style marked by unpredictability, flexibility, and intensity.

Adopting this style seemed fitting for Orochimaru, aligning with his "snake man style." Melding speed and invincibility was the epitome of martial prowess, and this fusion promised overwhelming lethality.

Concerns over injury no longer plagued Orochimaru, given his newfound life-saving methods. What he truly lacked was a potent, efficient means of destruction, especially against formidable foes. This was where the Futsu Soul Sword could prove invaluable.

With a silent nod to the seal, Orochimaru acknowledged his connection to the ancient samurai clan. Even if Kubisaki was unaware, Orochimaru would harness this newfound advantage.

"I ventured out for a mere stroll, yet I've stumbled upon quite the treasure trove," Orochimaru mused, his excitement fueled by knowledge, skills, and potential. While money and swordsmanship wouldn't swiftly enhance his combat prowess, the Futsu Soul Sword and Shiromari's abilities held immense promise. These, however, were secrets Orochimaru must wield cautiously.

Time was Orochimaru's scarcest resource. Despite his current strength, he remained vulnerable to the looming First Ninja World War. To secure a piece of the battlefield's spoils, he needed to redouble his efforts.

Orochimaru turned his focus to the scroll, prepared to absorb the potent ninjutsu techniques left behind by Kubisaki.

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