Chapter 145: Let Hoshigaki Kisame Sacrifice his Sword!

"What news?"

Genji hesitated for a moment and said, "Let me start with the good news."

Third Mizukage: "..."

"Currently, Kaguya Neko has already reached a cooperative relationship with Orochimaru. Although this cooperation is not stable, Orochimaru wants to investigate the secrets of Zanpakuto, and Kaguya Neko wants to probe the hidden strength of Konoha."

"The information they provide each other is mostly likely fake."

"But we can still obtain some useful intelligence from it."

"When Orochimaru made this deal, he deliberately avoided other Konoha Ninjas. This alone is valuable to us."

"Since Orochimaru avoided them on purpose, it proves we can use the exposure of this information as leverage to slightly threaten Orochimaru."

"Additionally, this proves that Orochimaru does not seem to have the absolute trust of the Third Hokage in Konoha."

The Third Mizukage nodded.

"According to the intelligence we previously obtained, the candidates for the next Hokage of Konoha are mainly focused on two people: Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze."

"Orochimaru, as Sarutobi Hiruzen's disciple, has not received Sarutobi Hiruzen's support. On the contrary, Sarutobi Hiruzen seems to support Minato Namikaze more."

The Third Mizukage paused as he spoke.

"I understand why Sarutobi Hiruzen would choose Minato Namikaze."

"Orochimaru has a deep background and a good relationship with Shimura Danzo."

"Minato Namikaze is a pure civilian ninja."

"His wife belongs to the Uzumaki Clan, which can no longer be considered a ninja family."

"In comparison, Minato Namikaze would be much easier to control."

"If I were Sarutobi Hiruzen, I would also choose Minato Namikaze."

"Genji, tell us the bad news."

Soma understood everything about the competition for the Fourth Hokage.

Sarutobi Hiruzen indeed favors Minato Namikaze over Orochimaru.

Soma remembered that Orochimaru didn't seem so 'twisted' at first.

It was only after failing in the competition for the Hokage position that Orochimaru became increasingly 'twisted,' focusing all his energy on his research.

Genji nodded.

"Yes, Mizukage-sama."

"After Kaguya Neko formed a cooperative relationship with Orochimaru, a mysterious and eccentric person approached Kaguya Neko, inviting them to join his organization."

The Third Mizukage frowned slightly.

"A wandering ninja?"

This was the first thing that came to the Third Mizukage's mind.

Apart from ninja villages, there are other ways that ninjas exist in this ninja world.

For example, ninja clans.

Wandering ninjas.

And rogue ninjas.

The influence of these ninjas is not as strong as that of ninja villages, and they survive in the cracks of the ninja villages.

They take on lower-cost missions, put in a lot of effort, and gain less in return.

From this perspective, it is reasonable for ninja villages to deduct a portion of the mission commission fees when providing platforms for mission-ninjas to accept tasks.

Externally, Kaguya Neko's deeds were quite heinous.

For power, stealing Zanpakuto, massacring his own clan members, resulting in the near extinction of the Kaguya Clan.

"If it were an ordinary organization, that wouldn't be anything, but given Kaguya Neko's strength, it's normal for them to be attracted."

"There may even be some who admire Kaguya Neko because of his actions."

The Third Mizukage said.

Genji said with a serious expression, "Mizukage-sama, I agree with this view, but the person who invited Kaguya Neko is not ordinary. He claims to be Uchiha Madara!"

The Third Mizukage's pupils contracted sharply.

"Uchiha Madara?"

Compared to Soma, the Third Mizukage had a deeper and more fearful impression of Uchiha Madara because he had witnessed Uchiha Madara's actions firsthand.

That immense power, terrifying ninjutsu...

One person was equivalent to a ninja army.

Human wave tactics could kill the Third Raikage, but they were powerless against Uchiha Madara.

The Third Tsuchikage, who was contemporary with the Third Mizukage, had suffered defeats at the hands of Uchiha Madara during childhood, becoming a psychological shadow that haunted him for a long time.

Soma felt a stir in his heart.

Upon hearing this name, Soma knew it must be Uchiha Obito's "role-playing game."

Considering the timing, Uchiha Madara was already deceased.

Uchiha Obito had become the successor to Uchiha Madara's plan.

Of course, Obito believed himself to be the successor and even harbored different intentions.

But in reality, he was just a pawn.

Obito probably felt that his own reputation and confidence in his abilities were insufficient, which is why he resorted to using Madara's name.

Just the name alone could intimidate many people.

Just like now.

When the Third Mizukage heard the name Madara, even if he wasn't sure whether the person's identity was genuine, his expression instantly became serious and solemn.

But if Genji were to mention Uchiha Obito's name, the Third Mizukage's reaction would be like this.

"Uchiha Obito?"

"What nonsense?"

The Third Mizukage frowned deeply.

"I remember very clearly, when Madara rebelled against Konoha and battled Senju Hashirama, after that battle, Hashirama was critically wounded, which led to his premature death."

"Konoha began to enter a period of decline."

"After the death of the Second Hokage, Konoha further declined."

"It can be said that other ninja villages should be grateful to Madara."

"If not for Madara, with Hashirama's strength, Konoha would have not only survived to this day, but would have laid an extremely solid foundation for itself for many more decades."

"That time, Madara died directly."

"Even if Madara were still alive, he would surely be very old now. What more could he accomplish?"

The Third Mizukage knew, and so did Genji.

But the person claiming to be Madara possessed a Sharingan different from the Three Tomoe, and even if he wasn't Madara, he was likely not a simple individual.

"Mizukage-sama, Kaguya Neko didn't believe at first either, but that person showed a Sharingan surpassing the Three Tomoe. Moreover, this person claims their goal is to achieve a certain plan."

"In this plan, ninja villages will disappear."

"War will disappear."

"The whole world will enter an era of harmony, a life that everyone hopes for."

The Three Mizukage scoffed.

"A world without war?"

"An era that everyone hopes for?"

"Even if it were the real Madara, he couldn't achieve that."

Soma agreed with this point.

Throughout the history of the ninja world, no one has been able to achieve it.

Hagoromo Otsutsuki couldn't do it.

Senju Hashirama couldn't do it.

Uchiha Madara couldn't do it.

The prophesied child in Jiraiya's prophecy, Naruto Uzumaki, also couldn't do it.

As long as there are people, there will inevitably be conflicts.

Genji continued, "The person claiming to be Madara arranged a test for Kaguya Neko. If Kaguya Neko can steal a Zanpakuto other than the Dragon-Bone, then he can join them."

The Third Mizukage fell silent for a moment.

"Is this person very strong? Enough to make Kaguya Neko wary?"

"Yes."

Then, the Third Mizukage's gaze turned to Soma.

"Soma, what do you think?"

Soma had thought that Obito might invite Kaguya Neko.

After all, in the original storyline, members of the Akatsuki Organization were mostly rogue ninjas.

Sasori of the Red Sand from the Hidden Sand Village.

Deidara from the Hidden Rock Village.

Hoshigaki Kisame and Biwa Juzo from the Hidden Mist Village.

Uchiha Itachi and Orochimaru from Konoha.

Kakuzu from the Hidden Waterfall Village.

...

Obito doesn't care whether these individuals have emotional ties to their former ninja villages.

For example, there isn't much conflict between Deidara and the Hidden Rock Village.

The admiration for Deidara from Onoki remains unchanged.

Therefore, even if there are suspicions about Kaguya Neko's clan massacre, Obito would still extend an invitation.

Obito is confident that when he presents the Eye of the Moon Plan to his recruits, they will make the right, wise choice.

The ninja villages are too restrictive.

Only the Infinite Tsukuyomi can bring happiness to everyone.

"Mizukage-sama, I believe it would benefit us if Neko-senpai joins that organization."

"Whether he is truly Uchiha Madara or not, that organization is undoubtedly an enemy to the Hidden Mist Village. Neko-senpai joining could provide us with valuable intelligence."

"As for the issue of stealing Zanpakuto as a test, Mizukage-sama, how do you think we should handle it?"

Third Mizukage said, "Stealing an unknown Zanpakuto might not yield the desired results."

"If I were the person claiming to be Uchiha Madara, I wouldn't trust Kaguya Neko too much."

"And as for the well-known Zanpakuto, there are only a few, all of which already have users. If Kaguya Neko were to steal one, it would significantly weaken those users' strength."

"Soma, among the current Zanpakuto, which one is relatively inferior?"

Soma thought for a moment.

"Kiriichimonji."

This was the Ninjato Soma frst forged. Being his first attempt, it only had ordinary quality, significantly weaker in abilities compared to the original version.

And it's just a Shingu compared to something like God's Hand, weaker by a grade.

Soma himself was also considering this.

Kiriichimonji, ordinary quality.

Blue Rose Sword, Good quality.

God's Hand, Excellent quality.

Nikkari Ao'e, Excellent quality.

Dragon-Bone, Excellent quality.

Pioggia, Perfect quality.

Skeleton Emperor, Good quality.

Water Dragon Possession, Excellent quality.

Lightning Blade, Excellent quality.

Garden Box, Good quality.

Considering all these, Kiriichimonji is perhaps the most suitable choice.

"Then let's choose Kiriichimonji."

Third Mizukage said, "Coincidentally, Kiriichimonji was the first Zanpakuto you forged, Soma, so it holds significant meaning. If Kaguya Neko takes Kiriichimonji, it will increase the level of trust from that person."

"Mizukage-sama, but if we do this, wouldn't it be unfair to Kisame...?"

Kisame has had Kiriichimonji for a long time. There is undoubtedly a deep bond between him and the sword. Taking Kiriichimonji forcibly at this time would surely hurt Kisame. Moreover, when the situation was dire in the Hidden Mist Village initially, Third Mizukage deliberately arranged for the younger generation of ninjas from both villages to compete, and Kisame did not disappoint the Hidden Mist Village.

Surpassing Hatake Kakashi, he brought considerable momentum to the Hidden Mist Village at the time. It can be said that Kisame has made significant contributions. And now, because of the appearance of someone claiming to be "Uchiha Madara," Kiriichimonji is to be taken away directly?

Third Mizukage interrupted Soma.

"Soma, I understand."

"It's indeed very unfair to Kisame."

"But the village needs sacrifices."

"Just like Kaguya Neko, who bears the blame of annihilating the Kaguya clan and has to live as a rogue ninja for the rest of his life."

"I am the same, clearly 'alive,' but have to hide in the shadows for the village."

"And you, Soma, putting extreme effort into forging Ninjato for the village."

"Not to mention those countless ninjas who went to the battlefield and sacrificed themselves for the village."

"It is precisely because of everyone's sacrifices that the village can be stable, can be better, and can have a future."

"The person claiming to be Uchiha Madara deserves attention."

"And if Kiriichimonji is taken by Kaguya Neko, it will most likely remain in Kaguya Neko's hands."

"For the village, there isn't much loss."

"It's just asking Kisame to make a certain sacrifice."

"I believe he will understand."

"For Kisame, this isn't actually a bad thing."

"Along this journey, he's had it too easy."

"Appropriate setbacks can help him grow."

Soma fell silent.

Third Mizukage's words made sense to Soma.

Soma had a clearer understanding of the situation.

The existence of the Akatsuki Organization, with its ultimate goal of gathering tailed beasts to resurrect the Ten Tails for the Eye of the Moon Plan, serves multiple purposes.

Nagato yearns to use the power of the Ten Tails to bring absolute peace to the Shinobi World, single-handedly suppressing the world.

Obito hopes to create a world where he and Rin can live happily.

Madara desires to create a world without war and betrayal.

Black Zetsu simply wants to resurrect Kaguya Otsutsuki.

The last time Kaguya Otsutsuki used the Infinite Tsukuyomi was to create an army to combat the coming of the Otsutsuki Clan.

"Regardless of who among these individuals, the threat to Hidden Mist Village is immense. If Hidden Mist Village can have a mole within the Akatsuki Organization, it would indeed be a very advantageous and convenient situation."

"Mizukage-sama, I understand."

When Third Mizukage spoke up to this point, Soma knew that arguing further would not change Third Mizukage's decision.

"Genji, it's decided then. Go make the arrangements."

"Yes, Mizukage-sama."

Genji and Soma left. Genji departed from Forging Island. Meanwhile, Soma entered his forge room, simultaneously smelting the materials for Zudomon's Hammer Blueprint while observing the semi-transparent panel in front of him. The numbers on it were slowly changing.

"If I can still extract a green Blueprint this time, then among the three ninja tools, I'll choose one that can ideally fit with Hoshigaki Kisame."

"As a friend, this is the only thing I can do now."

"If it's really not there, then I can't do anything about it."

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