Chapter 150: Biwa Jūzō, You're Truly Brave! [Bonus Chapter]

When Shūichi entered the commander's tent, Orochimaru was leaning over a map, studying it.

At this moment, Orochimaru was the true commander, no longer overshadowed by Koharu Utatane, who had been reassigned as the head of logistics, responsible for supplies and communication with the Daimyo and nobles of the Land of Rivers.

During this period, Shūichi's primary task was to keep an eye on Shukaku, the One-Tail, and monitor the movements of the Sunagakure. That was how he managed to have time to train beneath the waterfall.

Hearing footsteps, Orochimaru looked up and smiled. "As expected, Shūichi-kun, you've returned. Are you concerned about a possible collaboration between the Sunagakure and Iwagakure?"

Shūichi nodded. "A public alliance is unlikely, but Rasa is a cunning individual. It's not impossible that he's reached some kind of covert understanding with the Third Tsuchikage."

Orochimaru nodded with a smile. "It seems we think alike. So, Shūichi-kun, how do you believe the Suna and Iwa will act?"

Shūichi glanced down at the map and said, "If I were the Sunagakure, I wouldn't send reinforcements to the current battlefield. It would be meaningless."

He paused before adding, "It might sound arrogant, but with me here, their numbers wouldn't matter much, even with Shukaku on their side."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with admiration as he chuckled. "No, Shūichi-kun, you certainly have the ability."

Ignoring Orochimaru's gaze, Shūichi continued, "So, if I were them, I'd open a new front, directly targeting the borders of the Land of Fire. Right now, the defenses there are… let's just say, less than ideal."

Orochimaru nodded. "It looks like the old man is in for some serious trouble."

"And what about the Iwagakure?"

Shūichi's gaze shifted to the map of the Land of Grass. "They'd pass through the Land of Grass and similarly launch a surprise attack on the border."

"The recent assassination of the Kusagakure leader during their mission was clearly the Iwa's doing. The current leader of Kusagakure has a very different relationship with the Iwagakure. Konoha would be foolish to expect Kusagakure to resist a Iwagakure invasion."

Orochimaru agreed. "That's true."

Shūichi looked up at Orochimaru. "Lord Orochimaru, you seem to have already made this analysis, yet it hasn't been sent back to the village."

Orochimaru shook his head. "Because, for now, this analysis doesn't hold much weight."

Shūichi thought for a moment and then nodded in agreement.

Orochimaru continued, "Preparations have already been made at the Land of Grass's border. Root is active in the Land of Rain, and it seems Amegakure won't participate in this conflict. Additionally, the Land of Rain won't become a primary battlefield this time."

"As for Kusagakure, while they pose no immediate problem on the surface, their survival depends on balancing relations with all the great villages."

"So, the old man won't make any rash moves."

"However, we could consider deploying some reinforcements along the Sunagakure's border."

Shūichi sighed. "That might be our only option."

Orochimaru smiled. "Don't worry too much. We still have time to react."

"Though it's true… the Third Hokage has gotten old. He's no longer as decisive as he once was."

That last comment carried a deeper meaning, which Shūichi immediately understood. He merely responded, "Perhaps his current circumstances are different."

Orochimaru pondered for a moment, then let the topic drop, smiling. "Still, I'll send our suggestions back to the village. Let's sign it together, shall we?"

Shūichi nodded. "Alright."

Though this would create some trouble for Hiruzen Sarutobi later, every action comes with its consequences, and no one is exempt from that.

After signing his name, Shūichi took his leave and headed to the medical camp with Asuka.

On the way, he activated the [Genjustu Master] tag.

Genjustu mastery increased by 100%, mental fortitude improved by 100%, and Yin Release nature transformation enhanced by 100%. Except for Kekkei Genkai-based Illusions/Genjustus, no genjutsu could challenge you now.

As the effect took hold, Shūichi felt an immediate difference, especially in his mind.

The boost to mental power and fortitude wasn't new to him. Given his studies of the Spirit Transformation Technique and the Reaper Death Seal, his understanding in this area had already reached a new level.

To put it simply, mental power refers to an increase in quantity, while mental fortitude represents an improvement in resilience.

Feeling the newfound strength coursing through his body, Shūichi's spirits soared.

The following days passed uneventfully.

He continued working as a medical ninja, training, and occasionally fighting Shukaku when it threw a tantrum.

Tasks like monitoring Shukaku and keeping an eye on the Sand's movements were left to his shadow clones.

Before he knew it, it was already June.

On the morning of June 12th, in the 45th year of Konoha, Shūichi was at the medical camp detoxifying a wounded Konoha ninja when Shisui Uchiha rushed in. "Shūichi, Lord Orochimaru is summoning you."

Without turning around, Shūichi nodded while continuing his work. A shadow clone appeared beside him and left with Shisui.

Less than ten minutes later, the clone's memories returned to him just as he finished the surgery.

Walking out of the tent, Shūichi reviewed the clone's memories and immediately frowned.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen!

Hiruzen Sarutobi had summoned him back to the Land of Fire because the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had infiltrated deep into their territory, and no one had been able to stop them.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke had led an elite ANBU squad to intercept them but returned injured. Aside from him and Chihiro, the entire squad had been wiped out.

Shūichi knew Sarutobi Shinnosuke's strength well. He was a top-tier jonin, particularly skilled in ninjutsu, with mastery over five basic nature transformations and genjutsu, lacking only in Yang Release.

But the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were not to be underestimated, especially without intel on their specific swords.

Shūichi activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, instantly teleporting back to Orochimaru's tent.

Orochimaru said, "Your shadow clone should be enough to manage Shukaku. In most cases, it won't be discovered."

"If anything urgent happens, we'll contact you."

Shūichi nodded. "Understood."

Exiting the tent, Shūichi approached Shisui. "Shisui, I'm leaving Asuka in your care."

Shisui nodded solemnly. "Don't worry!"

"Besides, Asuka is strong herself and is mostly stationed at the medical camp."

"But you be careful."

Shūichi patted Shisui's shoulder and smiled. "I will."

"Off I go!"

With that, Shūichi vanished.

He teleported rapidly, moving from the western border of the Land of Rivers to a secret base near the Daimyo's mansion in the Land of Fire in a single breath.

The base had already been completed, and Pakura was stationed there. Seeing Shūichi's sudden arrival, she smiled. "Lord Shūichi!"

"Join me in taking down the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist!"

Shūichi spoke without waiting for Pakura's response. He grabbed her hand, and the two disappeared from the base.

…

On a mountain deep in the southeastern region of the Land of Fire, Shūichi and Pakura appeared in a flash.

"Lord Shūichi, please take a moment to rest!" Pakura quickly spoke up, noticing the sweat on Shūichi's forehead.

"No need," Shūichi shook his head gently. The Yin Seal on his forehead fully released, and a circular blue light illuminated.

Chakra surged throughout his body as he crouched down, touching the ground with his right hand. His sensing abilities swiftly expanded outward.

Although he didn't have specific knowledge of the chakra signatures of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a group of seven shinobi with strong chakra was likely rare.

In addition, he could search for Guy's chakra signature.

Of course, he wasn't sure if Guy had already arrived on the battlefield or if he had encountered the Seven Ninja Swordsmen yet.

After a moment, Shūichi withdrew his hand.

No luck in finding them.

In the next instant, four shadow clones appeared, each heading in a different direction.

Ten minutes later, one clone's memories returned.

Shūichi's eyes lit up. "Found them!"

Grabbing Pakura by the hand, the two vanished and reappeared at the location marked by his Flying Thunder God seal. This spot was about 10 kilometers from where Guy was located.

"Pakura, I'm heading over first!"

Shūichi called out, his voice still hanging in the air as his body launched skyward. He instantly entered the Fire Release Chakra Mode, a chakra cloak forming around him. His hair billowed, and layers of blue lotus flowers bloomed on his body. With a roar, he rocketed forward like a blue comet streaking through the sky.

Moments later, in front of Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu, the ground cracked and debris flew with a thunderous boom as Shūichi descended from the sky.

The three of them shielded their faces with their hands, their eyes widening in shock at this sudden arrival.

"Looks like I'm not too late!" Shūichi chuckled. Amid the dust cloud, he reached out and tore through the surrounding smoke with a single pull.

"Shūichi!" Guy exclaimed in surprise, his excitement palpable. "What are you doing here?"

Genma Shiranui's face lit up with joy. "Whatever the reason, it looks like we won't be dying today!"

Ebisu wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Seems like we just dodged a major bullet."

That was terrifying just now.

"Guy, fall back with your team a bit," Shūichi said with a small smile, turning slightly.

On the opposite side, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had all fixed their eyes on Shūichi.

Even without Guy calling out his name, the sheer strength of his chakra was enough to make them wary.

"So, this is the guy?"

"Shūichi—Konoha's Blue Flash, it must be him."

"Turns out he's just a kid!"

"Better not underestimate him, or today's grand funeral won't be for him but for us!"

"Such powerful chakra. No wonder he wiped out Hozuki Shingetsu's entire unit!"

...

Although Biwa Jūzō and his comrades spoke casually, their expressions grew serious.

Even though the boy in front of them appeared to be young, it was clear that he was completely different from the three they had just fought.

Once Guy and the others retreated, Shūichi turned his gaze toward the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

All seven of them had distinct personalities, but he could only recall the names of three.

There was Fuguki Suikazan, who had a technique similar to Jiraiya's, able to fire off senbon-like needles from his hair.

Shūichi remembered him because of the "most honest man in the ninja world," Kisame Hoshigaki.

Then there was Kurosuki Raiga, who wielded the dual thunder swords and was a Lightning Release expert—Shūichi remembered him because of Naruto.

And finally, Biwa Jūzō, whom he remembered because of his sheer bravery.

After all, cutting through a Tailed Beast Bomb? Shūichi was willing to call him the bravest man in the ninja world!

Looking at the seven of them, Shūichi chuckled and said, "Honestly, the swords you guys are holding are pretty nice. I like them."

"So, I'll be taking them!"

Kurosuki Raiga gripped his swords tightly. "What an arrogant brat! I can't wait to give you a grand funeral!"

Biwa Jūzō raised his sword. "There's a small chip in my blade. I need it to drink some blood to repair itself."

"And judging by your blood, it's got excellent quality."

The tension in the air spiked instantly, and the fight was on the verge of breaking out. Guy and his team stood nervously behind Shūichi.

But just then, both Shūichi and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen turned their heads in unison.

A green figure flew through the air and landed gracefully.

"Finally made it!"

Might Duy touched down lightly.

Behind him, Guy's eyes widened in shock. "Dad?"

"What... what are you doing here?"

Might Duy turned around and said, "I heard about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and was worried you'd run into them, so I rushed over."

Guy immediately responded, "But... Dad, you're only a genin!"

Hearing this, Shūichi chuckled. "Guy, don't underestimate someone's strength just because of their rank."

He then addressed Might Duy, "Uncle Duy, opening the Seventh Gate should be enough."

Might Duy nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Shūichi. If you hadn't come, I don't know what would've happened to Guy and the others."

Shūichi waved it off. "Uncle Duy, no need to be so formal with me."

"If you really want to thank me, just make sure to take down all of them. I like their swords. They'll make excellent trophies."

Might Duy glanced at the seven shinobi across from them and nodded seriously. "They're strong, but I'll do my best."

Shūichi quickly added, "Uncle Duy, the Seventh Gate will be enough."

Hearing this exchange, Biwa Jūzō and the others didn't look pleased.

"These two bastards aren't even taking us seriously!"

Jūzō, his temper rising, squinted his eyes and barked, "Strike first, Raiga!"

Kurosuki Raiga crossed his twin blades, his body crackling with electricity. At the tips of his swords, two lightning orbs formed. With a flick of his wrists, the orbs shot toward Shūichi and Might Duy.

At the same moment, Biwa Jūzō charged forward with his sword raised.

"Scatter!"

With a light command, Shūichi vanished, and Might Duy leaped into the air.

Boom!

The lightning orbs exploded where they had just been standing, sparks flying in all directions.

However, both Shūichi and Duy were too fast, and even though the electrical blast covered a wide area, neither was hit.

Hovering mid-air, Shūichi formed a Wind Release: Rasenshuriken in his hand, which he promptly hurled downward.

Biwa Jūzō's pupils contracted as he raised his sword and shouted, "Scatter!"

The next moment, his sword, the Executioner's Blade, clashed with Shūichi's Rasenshuriken.

Even Shūichi was slightly shocked.

You're not dodging that?

Jūzō, you really are brave!

The rapidly spinning Rasenshuriken tore straight through the Executioner's Blade, slicing it in two. At the same time, the jutsu lost its stability, and the Rasengan core exploded violently.

Biwa Jūzō let out a grunt of pain as his Executioner's Blade split in half. His body was sent flying, crashing through several trees before slamming into the trunk of a large one with a thud. He slid to the ground, unable to move.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "Damn... my ribs are broken."

"My arm... most of the chakra pathways in my body have been severed. I can't channel chakra anymore."

(End of Chapter)

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