Chapter 89

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"That's how the shinobi world has always been."

Sakumo didn't quite understand why Gin had such disdain for this system.

The structure of the shinobi world had only shifted once, and that was when the shinobi themselves emerged.

If not for the Land of Iron, samurai would have become a thing of the past.

"The past and the present are as such."

"But the future might not be."

Sakumo glanced at Gin. Although Gin was looking at him, it seemed like his gaze was piercing through him, through the passersby, through the buildings, and into something much further away.

The Uchiha clan truly was frightening.

There was always someone like him who emerged.

"Come on, it seems lively up ahead."

Sakumo pointed toward the gathering crowd in the distance, where shouting voices echoed from a large platform.

Gin, used to White Fang's sightseeing manner, simply followed him as they approached.

Both carried swords, making them blend in well among the samurai.

On the platform, two heavily armored men were locked in combat with long blades, neither gaining the upper hand. The loud clashing of swords filled the air as the two figures moved at incredible speeds.

Gin perked up his ears, listening to the crowd's chatter.

"Iguchi's challenging again."

"He won't win this time either. Toda is a renowned swordmaster."

"But Iguchi has made some progress this time."

As the crowd discussed, Gin quickly grasped the significance of the platform.

Anyone who could hold their position on that platform for an entire year without being defeated would be appointed as a personal guard to the daimyo, an honor of immense prestige in the Land of Iron.

It was a symbol of both reputation and status.

Those who remained undefeated on the platform for long periods, to the point where no one dared to challenge them, would eventually have the opportunity to challenge the general of the Land of Iron.

And if they won, they could leap through the ranks.

The position of general wasn't one of inherited nobility, but it ranked higher than nobility, just below the daimyo.

"This is actually pretty interesting."

For the first time, Gin spoke favorably of the Land of Iron.

Here, the strong rise, and the weak fall.

Something that could never be achieved in Konoha.

In the Land of Iron, generals were chosen based on strength, which indicated the daimyo's control over the country.

In Konoha, though the daimyo could nominally select the Hokage, the village ultimately chose its own leader.

And the selection process was far from straightforward.

If not for Konoha being rich in talent, it would have collapsed long ago.

Gin couldn't help but curse Hiruzen once more.

Sakumo, rubbing his chin, looked at the platform and turned to Gin.

"Interested in testing the strength of a Land of Iron samurai?"

Sakumo, knowing Gin's disdain for the samurai, wanted to correct that view.

Many samurai from the Land of Iron were powerful.

Not only did they use chakra, but some had even mastered elemental chakra nature transformation—something typically reserved for shinobi.

"Strength, huh…"

Gin rubbed his chin, hesitating. His ninjutsu had progressed remarkably, but his taijutsu hadn't improved as much.

Mainly because the Tenma Technique (Heavenly Demon Technique) he had been working on was far too difficult, and he had yet to fully master it.

The thought made Gin's expression darken.

Why did other people's "golden finger" abilities make things progress quickly, while his had him starting from scratch? And because his technique was so complex, it had actually slowed his progress.

It was absurd.

At his current pace, it would take at least six months before he even mastered the basics.

And that's only because he understood the technique so well.

He missed the days when his system allowed him to quickly grasp new skills.

As for the swordsmanship contest before him, taijutsu and kenjutsu were closely related.

Gin was curious to see how his skills measured up.

But…

Gin shot a glance at Sakumo, coldly snorting.

"Weren't you the one who said no fighting during missions and no revealing shinobi abilities?"

"Did I say that?"

Sakumo rubbed his chin with a puzzled look.

"You absolutely said it, you bastard!"

Gin already had his sword drawn and placed against White Fang's neck.

"If you don't knock it off, I'll cut you down right now!"

"Calm down, calm down."

Sakumo pinched the blade between his thumb and forefinger, applying enough force that Gin couldn't move it.

And that was purely physical strength.

This was the result of White Fang's mastery of the third level of Kihon Naikō (Basic Inner Technique), which had greatly enhanced his physical body.

Even before fully mastering it, White Fang had already surpassed many in terms of physical prowess.

"If you've got the guts, let go!" Gin gritted his teeth, cursing White Fang for being such a pain.

At least Jiraiya wasn't this annoying.

"Can you two knock it off?"

A nearby samurai couldn't help but speak up. The crowd was no longer focused on the match but on Gin and Sakumo.

Sakumo finally released the sword, and Gin reluctantly sheathed his blade.

White Fang, you're dead!

By this time, the fight on the platform had ended.

The samurai named Toda had won, and he glanced over at Gin and White Fang, frowning.

"Young one, that's no way to treat your comrade with a sword."

Gin glared at him sideways.

"What I do is none of your concern."

Where did this guy get the audacity to meddle in Gin's affairs?

Toda's frown deepened.

Before he could speak, Sakumo stepped in.

"He wants to challenge you!"

Swish.

Gin shot Sakumo a sharp look—this guy was definitely up to no good.

"Very well, young one, I accept your challenge."

Toda agreed without hesitation. Despite Gin's youth, he clearly needed a lesson.

Gin rolled his eyes but stepped onto the platform anyway.

"Go, Gin! You got this!" Sakumo cheered from below.

This is all your fault, you bastard!!

Gin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. If he didn't die on the mission, Sakumo might kill him with frustration.

He glared coldly at the so-called swordmaster before him.

Thanks to White Fang, he was already in a foul mood.

The strength of the Land of Iron samurai?

Gin scoffed.

He drew the Kusanagi sword from its sheath.

"Come, young one."

Toda stood with his sword ready, giving Gin the first move.

"I think you should attack first. You might not get another chance if I do."

Though he had neglected his taijutsu training somewhat, Gin still didn't think this samurai would be a match for him.

"Arrogant!" The spectators shouted in anger.

"That's a swordmaster, you brat!"

"Show him, Toda! Give him a proper lesson!"

Becoming a swordmaster in the Land of Iron meant having a respected reputation.

For this brat to so casually dismiss a swordmaster…

They eagerly awaited how Toda would humble him.

Toda's expression darkened. "I was going to offer some guidance."

"But it seems unnecessary."

With a heavy step, Toda instantly closed the gap between them, swinging his sword down hard.

Gin casually sidestepped him.

Toda remained frozen in his striking posture.

The sword hadn't struck.

Instead, Toda dropped to his knees.

He touched his chest, finding his armor had been sliced open.

"Such a fast blade…"

Gin stood on the platform, coldly scanning the crowd below.

"The samurai of the Land of Iron… are nothing special."

(End of Chapter)