Chapter 194: The Power of The Zhanmadao

Ryukame had actually been at the forge for quite some time. He also had a certain understanding of Soma. Ryukame knew that, in addition to being a Great Blacksmith, Soma was also a top-tier Water Release Ninja. Juzo personally admitted that Soma's Water Release talent was even greater than his own.

Juzo is what kind of person? One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Currently a member of the Shinigami Squad. A leader of the Sand Mist army. A top Ninja of the Hidden Mist Village.

However, Ryukame did not expect that Soma would be so strong in Kenjutsu as well. This is actually the result of several factors.

One is Soma's basic attributes. Another is the Swordsmanship experience gained from crafting numerous Ninjato. A very important point is the Water Breathing Forging Technique. Soma integrated this forging technique into his slashing attacks.

That's why Ryukame felt as though he was being struck by a raging torrent.

Finally, the force within Ryukame reached its limit.

"Chief-sama, be careful!"

Ryukame first reminded Soma before channeling his Chakra into the Zhanmadao.

"Release!"

The force of the Stable Rock Style, combined with the Chakra explosion from the Energy Storage Circuit.

The two forces combined together. Soma could clearly feel a powerful impact coming towards him.

"Ding!"

Soma raised his Broad Sword. The two Skillful Grade Swords collided. At the point of collision, there was a violent explosion, like a detonator. However, it was much stronger than a single detonator.

"It's somewhat similar to Hiramekarei's ability, and somewhat similar to Blastsword's ability."

"The combined power is between Hiramekarei and Blastsword."

Soma's expression became slightly subtle.

"Previously, some people said that Skillful Grade Swords are comparable to the Seven Ninja Swords, but they actually fall short."

"Skillful Grade Swords are merely resilient."

"Besides that, they have no other abilities."

"The Seven Ninja Swords, after all, have additional abilities."

"But now, the combination of the improved heavy blade and the Stable Rock Style has indeed reached the level of the Seven Ninja Swords."

"Compared to Blastsword, its upper limit is higher."

"The Stable Rock Style can accumulate power, which is also related to the Ninja's strength. The stronger the Ninja, the higher the power that can be accumulated."

"But it's still not enough to reach the level of Hiramekarei."

"Hiramekarei is made entirely of Chakra metal."

"And it can also accumulate Chakra by killing enemies."

"In warfare, Hiramekarei performs the best."

"Once the number of killed Ninjas reaches a certain level, it can even unleash power exceeding that of a Kage."

Soma remembered that Hiramekarei had performed very well in the original storyline. Even someone like Chojuro, known as the "Shame of the Mizukage," wielding Hiramekarei, was able to break through Uchiha Sasuke's Susanoo, which shows its power. It is at least stronger than Danzo's Wind Release.

"I really want to obtain Hiramekarei, disassemble it, and study it thoroughly."

Soma had never had such thoughts before, as his forging had always been based on Blueprint content.

The materials are all produced by Dungeon Instances. Soma just needs to follow the process and replicate it. While forging, he also improves his Forging Technique.

In simple terms, Soma's Forging Technique was not as good in the past. But now, his Forging Technique has reached a Master level overall. It is also at an Excellent level by itself. He has even begun to develop circuits and modify the Skillful Grade Sword.

Soma's ambition has grown beyond simply following the system-provided Blueprint to forge Ninjato. He now wants to use his own abilities to create powerful Ninjato.

In Soma's heart, there is still a pursuit as a Blacksmith. Additionally, there is an issue with Ninjato produced by the system. Specifically, the issue of contracts. Some Ninja tools can be used without a contract, but their effectiveness is lower. Without a contract, Soma does not receive contract rewards, and the effect of gaining reputation is significantly reduced.

In comparison, Soma would rather accumulate more reputation to obtain higher-level Blueprints and ensure he can find suitable contractors within Hidden Mist Village.

To gain reputation, Soma needs to rely on the Ninjato he creates himself to make up for it.

"There are too few talents in Hidden Mist Village."

"I wonder if Elder Genji has made any progress."

Hidden Mist Village lacks talent. However, looking at the entire ninja world, there are still many talents. Many of them are wandering orphans with tragic backgrounds. These people could be recruited and put to use by Hidden Mist Village. It is even possible to poach talents from other ninja villages. Of course, there is the possibility of them being undercover spies, which needs to be carefully assessed.

"Chojuro probably has no chance of becoming Mizukage in this world."

In the original storyline, with Terumi Mei's abdication and the lack of suitable candidates in Hidden Mist Village, Chojuro's rise was inevitable. However, the current Hidden Mist Village is likely in a much better situation.

"Considering Naruto's age at that time."

"At that point, Kisame, Zabuza, and Ameyuri would not be suitable in terms of age."

"But if Elder Genji can bring Haku into Hidden Mist Village early, Haku should at least surpass Chojuro in terms of ninja talent. Additionally, there's Ranmaru without his physical issues."

"Akagan Kekkei Genkai is known as the nemesis of Byakugan."

"Moreover, there might be other geniuses who emerge."

"For example, certain members of the Kaguya Clan…"

Accompanied by a crisp sound.

"Clang!"

The Broad Sword in Soma's hand broke. Half of it fell to the ground.

Soma raised his eyebrows slightly.

This Broad Sword was an experimental piece by Soma. However, even as a Ninjato forged by Soma, it was still of high quality. The fact that it was broken by Ryukame's counterattack proves the strength of the combination of Stable Rock Style and Energy Storage Circuit.

Ryukame stared in shock.

"Chief-sama, are you alright?"

"It's nothing."

Soma shook his head. He understood Stable Rock Style and Energy Storage Circuit much better than Ryukame. He had long been well-prepared.

"It looks pretty good. Ryukame, are you satisfied?"

"Yes, I'm satisfied. Thank you, Chief-sama!"

Ryukame, relieved to see Soma was fine, couldn't hide his inner joy and smiled.

"I'm glad you're satisfied."

Soma paused and said, "Ryukame, Stable Rock Style still seems to have a lot of potential. I hope you can develop it well in the future. It might become one of the mainstream techniques in the village."

"By then, Ryukame, you could become an Elder-level figure."

"Countless ninjas will benefit because of you."

"I have high hopes for you."

Ryukame felt a surge of excitement in his heart as he thought about it.

"Chief-sama, I will definitely work hard."

Leading the revival of a martial art and achieving great results in the current ninja world would undoubtedly earn a high status in Hidden Mist Village. He would gain the respect of countless people and even be remembered in history. This is what Ryukame longs for.

After leaving the training field, Ryukame returned to his house and looked at the Zhanmadao in his hand.

"Kisame, having a genius like you as a cousin is truly a huge pressure."

"Please forgive my pride; I really can't bring myself to become one of your guard members."

"I also have pride as a 'cousin'."

"In terms of personal strength, I am far inferior to you."

"But now, perhaps I can achieve something comparable to your accomplishments in other areas."

"Reviving Stable Rock Style is my hope."

"I need to thank Chief Uehara."

...

"Arafuni, come with me."

"Yes, Chief-sama."

Soma brought Arafuni and the other two into the forge.

"During this time, aside from forging surgical knives, I haven't given you any other tasks, so you should have ample time for Forging Technique training."

"I have also directly provided you with the methods."

"Now answer me, have you made any progress?"

The three glanced at each other and then nodded.

"Replying to Chief-sama, we have all made progress."

The previous Forging Island was akin to a "dark age" for forging. The Blacksmiths of that time were protective of their techniques, with each generation being less skilled than the last.

To become a good Blacksmith during such a period indicates that one's talent is still considerable. Therefore, making progress after Soma provided them with training directions was inevitable. Especially for Arafuni, who was of the same age as Soma, and worked very hard and sincerely.

"Have you mastered the Water Drop Hammer?"

It had been a long time since Soma developed the Water Drop Hammer.

On this basis, Soma further developed the Water Flow Hammer, Water Fall Hammer, and Great River Hammer. After such a long time, Soma hoped that a Blacksmith could master them. This way, he could completely avoid participating in the forging of surgical knives.

However, when Soma's question was asked, only one person raised a hand, and it was only halfway up.

"Arafuni, what does this half-raised hand mean?"

Soma frowned slightly.

"Replying to Chief-sama, I can use the Water Drop Hammer, but I can't guarantee success every time, so if I do the forging, the efficiency will be very low."

"Use it now, let me see."

"Yes, Chief-sama."

Arafuni picked up the hammer and approached the forge. He closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and after a moment, opened them. Then, he brought the hammer down heavily.

"Clang!"

The hammer strike was fine.

"Continue!"

Arafuni swung the hammer again.

Third, fourth…

At this moment, the sound changed. Soma identified the problem. It was simple. Arafuni lacked follow-through power.

"Arafuni, you need to undergo some Ninja training and practice Water Release. This will help you significantly. During this process, you should continue practicing your forging."

"Here's the plan."

Soma made arrangements.

"After the surgical knife forging process, you will be fully responsible. The rest will be handled by Shinnosuke and the other person."

"Until you master the Water Drop Hammer."

"Additionally, there is another matter I want to discuss."

Soma looked at the three of them and said.

"Apart from the surgical knives, we will also have another task in the forge, which is the forging of heavy blades."

"The combination of Stable Rock Style and heavy blades works very well and will surely become an important part of our village. Many Ninjas will use heavy blades in combat."

"Regarding the heavy blades, I have made some upgrades."

"This is the Blueprint."

Soma handed the Blueprint to the three of them.

"I will handle the circuit part, and you will be responsible for the main body of the heavy blade."

"The heavy blades we forge should reach the level of the lower four swords among the Seven Ninja Swords in terms of destructive power."

"I hope you can work hard and quickly reach a level where you can start forging."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of Arafuni and the others lit up immediately. Their breathing became slightly hurried.

This is a Ninjato comparable to the level of the Seven Ninja Swords. To have such a Ninjato created by their own hands is an immense honor. For a Blacksmith, this is a significant achievement.

"Yes, Chief-sama, we will do our utmost."

Soma nodded.

The surgical knives brought a certain level of profitability to the forge. The heavy blades will elevate the forge's profitability to a higher level. This is different from the significance of the surgical knives.

Surgical knives are, after all, just tools used by medical ninjas for surgery. Most people don't consider them to be true Ninjato. However, heavy blades are used by ninjas on the battlefield and can truly kill enemies. In the eyes of everyone, these are the genuine Ninjato in the fullest sense.

With the initiation of the heavy blade project, the forge is truly back in everyone's sight, beginning to regain its former glory and even surpass it.

...

Training ground.

Yagura, Soma, and Genji stood on the observation platform. In the center of the training ground stood four figures: Hoshigaki Kisame, Kaguya Domaru, Karatachi Umiushi, and Ryuji. The three were standing around Kisame.

"I'll give it a try myself."

Yagura looked at Kisame's team with great anticipation. Yagura had seen Ryukame's performance many times and knew the strength of Stable Rock Style. However, Yagura was unsure what kind of effect the combination of Water Release, Ninjutsu absorption, and Stable Rock Style would produce.

Yagura looked forward to Kisame's team's performance.

Yagura walked down from the observation platform.

Kisame looked at Yagura, his expression becoming serious. After all, this was the Mizukage.

Genji looked at Soma.

"Chief Uehara, what do you think?"

Soma said, "The combination of Kisame and Stable Rock Style has mitigated weaknesses and enhanced strengths. If they become proficient, they will undoubtedly join the ranks of top ninjas."

"But right now, their coordination is still new, so they definitely won't be a match for Mizukage-sama."

"Unless…"

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