Chapter 138: Exclusive Ninja Tool for Blacksmiths, Zudomon's Hammer!

[Lottery in progress!]

[Lottery successful.]

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining Zudomon's Hammer Blueprint.]

A wave of information surged into Soma's mind.

"The real name of Zudomon's Hammer is Thor's Hammer."

"It originates from the Digimon world."

"It is forged from Chrondigizoit metal."

"It is used by Zudomon."

"It's a hammer that leans towards combat."

"Could it be that Zudomon is also a hidden Blacksmith?"

"I wonder what effects Zudomon's Hammer would have when used for forging."

Soma recalled that Zudomon could apparently wield flames and lightning with the hammer in hand, which was similar to the advanced direction of his current research in Chakra Smelting Technique.

Apart from this, Soma had another concern.

Zudomon was enormous in size.

Therefore, the hammer he used must also be exceptionally large.

In this case, Soma found it challenging to use Zudomon's Hammer as a forging tool.

"If the size issue can't be resolved, then using Zudomon's Hammer would be like Tsunade using Bunta's short sword to attack Manda in the original plot."

Bunta's short sword is referred to as a short sword.

But that's relative to Bunta's size.

Tsunade's physique is not small among women.

She is renowned for her full figure.

However, her entire body is not as large as that short sword.

Using it is quite a stretch.

Soma looked at the Blueprint.

"Six blank hexagrams..."

Soma: "..."

This means that the difficulty of this Dungeon Instance is very high.

Besides Soma, it requires a full team of six members.

"Kisame, Juzo-senpai, Ao-senpai, Daida, Third Mizukage, these are the ones I've already contracted, totaling five, one more needed."

"Thankfuly, I still have a few Thug Recruitment Tokens."

"But Kisame and Juzo-senpai are both on the frontline."

"It's not possible to bring them back for the time being."

"The frontline needs them."

Kisame is somewhat less needed. There shouldn't be major issues pulling him back from the frontline with Fuguki and Raiga there.

But if Juzo retreats, there will be no one to restrain Pakura.

A Pakura without any restraints would be terrifying, something the Hidden Mist Village is well aware of.

Her killing power is too strong. A pure Water Release nemesis.

It's not just combat; it's slaughter.

"In that case, I'm still lacking at least two people."

Soma searched in his mind for suitable candidates.

But for the time being, he didn't find any.

[Name: Soma]

[Comprehensive Strength: Special Jonin]

[Swordsmanship: Proficient (9300)]

[Body Modification Technique: Familiar (2000)]

[Sage's Plant Cultivation Technique: Beginner (1000)]

[Abilities: Underwater Breathing]

[Forging Technique: Excellent (Master - Forging Island bonus, God's Hand bonus)]

[Mission Items: Thug Recruitment Token X3]

[Blacksmith Reputation: 423]

[Evaluation: An outstanding Blacksmith, having his own forging site, equipment, and benefiting from Forging Technique bonuses, has a high chance of crafting superior-grade ninja tools.]

[As a Ninja, possesses a certain level of strength, stronger than cannon fodder.]

"Forging Technique at the excellent level, enhanced by Forging Island and God's Hand, has reached the master level."

"So now, I can truly be considered a bona fide Master Forger."

Walking out of the forging room.

"Soma, someone's here."

"Who?"

"Elder Genji, and one more person, I don't know."

"Ao-senpai, please take me there."

"Alright."

Ao nodded and led the way ahead towards the reception room on Forging Island.

It's called a reception room, but in reality, it's a separate building.

Ao stepped forward, knocked on the door first, then pushed it open.

Inside, two figures stood up.

Soma walked in.

"Genji-san."

"Chief Uehara."

Genji gestured towards a figure beside him and introduced, "This is Terumi Mei, my disciple."

Terumi Mei assessed Soma and slightly bowed her head.

"I've met Chief Uehara."

Soma also examined Terumi Mei.

He was not unfamiliar with her.

In the original storyline, she could be considered one of the great heroes who saved the Hidden Mist Village in the future.

Possessing exceptionally high talent. Rare dual Kekkei Genkai.

Apart from her Kekkei Genkai, her innate Water Release talent is also extremely strong.

It could be said that she is truly destined for greatness.

Her potential is incredibly high.

Her abilities are complex.

She has a strong overall strength.

Currently, among the young talents of the Hidden Mist Village, Kisame stands out.

If we were to compare the talents of anyone else among the younger generation of the Hidden Mist Village to Kisame's, it would only be Terumi Mei.

Her appearance differed from how Soma remembered her.

She had an "ordinary" stature.

Radiating the aura of youthfulness typical of a young girl.

It exuded a different temper from what Soma remembered.

"I'm afraid even Terumi Mei herself doesn't know the extent of her future potential at this moment."

Soma's gaze swept past Terumi Mei's neckline.

"Chief Uehara."

Genji spoke, "I've already informed Kaguya Neko, and he has received the orders by now."

"Additionally, Kaguya Neko has provided the village with a Ninjato."

"He said it's for Chief Uehara as forging materials."

With that, Genji gestured for Terumi Mei to take it out.

Terumi Mei unbuckled the sword from her waist, placed it on the table, and nudged it towards where Soma was.

Soma glanced at it.

It was a Ninjato that appeared unremarkable on the surface.

Soma picked it up and inspected it.

Soon, he could feel the sharpness and resilience of this Ninjato.

Chakra surged into it.

No changes occurred.

"Is it just about its sharpness and resilience?"

Soma looked at Terumi Mei.

"Miss Terumi, did Neko-senpai mention the origin of this Ninjato?"

"No," Terumi Mei shook her head. "But Neko-senpai did tell me that shortly before I met him, he had just fought Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru?"

Soma instantly understood what Ninjato he held in his hands.

The Sword of Kusanagi.

Extremely sharp and resilient.

Moreover, Orochimaru's Sword of Kusanagi had another effect—it could lengthen or shorten.

"But just now when I used Chakra, this Sword of Kusanagi didn't change in length. Is it that this Sword of Kusanagi lacks that ability, or did I use the wrong method?"

"This batch of materials came just in time."

"My Forging Technique has just been upgraded to an excellent level."

"Under the enhancement of numerous conditions, I've reached the level of a master."

"The ninja tools I forge now are definitely beyond those I made before."

Previously, Soma formally crafted only one ninja tool.

It was the axe used by Jinin Daiga.

Apart from its toughness and weight, it had no other special features.

However, considering Jinin Daiga's situation, it could produce quite good effects.

Soma stowed away the Sword of Kusanagi.

"Chief Uehara, let's talk in private."

Genji glanced at Terumi Mei.

"Terumi, wait here for me."

"Yes, sensei."

Soma naturally knew that Genji wanted to talk to the Third Mizukage.

However...

Soma didn't expect that Terumi Mei was Genji's disciple and Genji hadn't informed her that the soul of the former Mizukage was still alive.

...

The two arrived at the vacant forging room where the Skeleton Emperor was stored.

"Mizukage-sama."

The apparition of the Third Mizukage appeared.

"Genji, Soma."

"Mizukage-sama."

Genji said, "I've already passed on the orders regarding Kaguya Neko. However, before the orders were sent, Kaguya Neko had already encountered Konoha's Orochimaru."

"They engaged in a major battle."

"If we want Kaguya Neko to obtain intelligence from Konoha, the chances of success are not very high."

The Third Mizukage fell silent for a moment.

"If that's the case, we'll have to wait for Konoha's ninja to use Genjutsu to control Yagura."

"Genji, are there any special movements from Konoha now?"

Genji shook his head.

"Back to Mizukage-sama, Konoha has intensified its attacks. Fuguki has sent several letters, and the pressure is high."

The Third Mizukage's face darkened.

"Has Konoha already gathered enough strength for their plans?"

"Or are they trying to test whether we know their secrets in this way?"

"Even if there's a grand conspiracy, how come it just so happens to be directed towards our Hidden Mist Village?"

"Hidden Cloud Village, Hidden Rock Village, haven't they also been at war with Konoha?"

This feeling of being treated differently especially irked the Third Mizukage.

After hesitating for a moment, the Third Mizukage continued, "Genji, let the Hozuki Clan contribute. If we've entrusted all Seven Ninja Swords to them, they should act accordingly. It's not just for them to take without doing anything."

"If the Hozuki Clan still refuses to step forward at this time, how are they any different from the previous Kaguya Clan?"

Genji nodded.

"Understood, Mizukage-sama. I will exert pressure on Yagura to involve the Hozuki Clan."

After this discussion, Genji left.

However, Soma did not immediately leave along with him.

"Mizukage-sama, do you think Elder Genji and his disciple are trustworthy?"

"Hmm? Soma, why do you suddenly ask this?"

"I've received a Materials mission with considerable difficulty, requiring six team members. Given the current village situation, Juzo-senpai cannot return, so I need some new members."

"Genji and Terumi Mei?"

The Third Mizukage clearly acknowledged Terumi Mei's presence.

"Genji's trustworthiness isn't in question, but considering his current condition, he may not be suitable for missions. His strength has declined too much to provide much assistance."

"As for Terumi Mei, she's a genius with decent strength. You can involve her."

"If needed, consider Kaguya Masuiu. This person stood with the village under difficult circumstances similar to the Kaguya Clan's, so he should be trustworthy, like Kaguya Neko."

Soma nodded.

"Understood, Mizukage-sama."

After leaving the vacant forging room, Soma sought out Genji and Terumi Mei.

"Genji-san, there's a special mission that might require Miss Terumi Mei's participation."

"A special mission?" Genji instinctively looked towards the direction of the vacant forging room, assuming that this mission was proposed by the Third Mizukage. Without hesitation, he responded, "Terumi, you stay here. I'll head back first."

Genji didn't inquire about the details. Since Soma hadn't mentioned them, he believed there must be a reason why the Third Mizukage hadn't allowed Soma to speak.

"Yes, sensei," Terumi Mei acknowledged.

Soma escorted Terumi Mei into the meeting room. Shortly after, Ao entered. Terumi Mei was curious.

Bang! The door closed.

Soma spoke, "Miss Terumi Mei, this mission is related to acquiring Ninjato Materials. Therefore, everything regarding this mission needs to remain confidential. Can you handle that?"

Terumi Mei's eyes lit up. "Ninjato Materials? I'm okay with it. I can definitely accept the mission's constraints. Just like with Genji-sensei, I won't disclose any details of the mission."

"I am a qualified Ninja, and this is the duty of a Ninja."

Soma nodded. However, for him, this was just a casual inquiry. Personal assurances meant little to him, and he didn't know Terumi Mei well enough to trust her personally. The real constraint lay in the Thug Recruitment Token.

"If that's the case, let's sign this contract." Soma took out the Thug Recruitment Token. "This is a Summoning Contract. Once signed, you can be summoned to the mission area."

"Ao-senpai has also signed." Terumi Mei instinctively looked towards Ao. He nodded.

Terumi Mei took the Thug Recruitment Token but didn't agree immediately. Instead, she observed it for a while. She tested it with Chakra.

After confirming that there were no issues, she agreed. The Thug Recruitment Token changed color.

Soma saw that the number of Thug Recruitment Tokens on the translucent panel in front of him had decreased by one.

"Chief Uehara, when will this mission begin?"

"If all goes well, today," Soma replied. "This mission requires a total of six participants: myself, Ao-senpai, Squad Captain Daida, you, and two others."

In reality, seven people were participating in the mission. However, Third Mizukage's situation was unique. Soma had no intention of revealing Third Mizukage's true situation to Terumi Mei at this moment, so he deliberately understated the number of participants by one.

"Who are the other two?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Soma didn't reveal directly. After checking the time, he continued, "It might take a while. Terumi Mei, if you're available, let's visit the training ground together. We can get to know each other's abilities better."

"This way, we can cooperate better when the mission starts."

Terumi Mei nodded. "Okay."

The three of them then proceeded to the training ground.

At this moment, only Ameyuri was training at the training ground. Upon hearing footsteps, Ameyuri stopped and turned around.

"Uehara Senpai, Ao-senpai," she greeted.

"Who is this sister?" Terumi Mei introduced herself.

"Terumi Mei."

"Hello, Terumi Mei. I'm Ameyuri Ringo."

"Ringo? Mayuko-san is your grandmother?"

"Yes, she is."

"I see. Ameyuri, nice to meet you," Terumi Mei extended her hand.

---

You can read up to 50 Advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/Lookar