Kapitel 91: Chapter 91: The Ambition of the Third Mizukage!
"In addition, since Gengetsu-sama, there haven't been any exceptionally talented individuals from the Hozuki Clan."
"Therefore, as time passed, the strength of the Hozuki Clan declined significantly."
"Many members of the Hozuki Clan seem to have some difficulty accepting this situation, gradually, a rift seems to have appeared between them and the village, akin to a semi-reclusive state."
"Besides necessary interactions, they have very little contact with the village."
"However, it seems that a genius has emerged in the Hozuki Clan recently called Hozuki Mangetsu."
"According to people from the Hozuki Clan, his talent is not inferior to that of Gengetsu from the past."
"If what they say is true, then Hozuki Mangetsu's Water Release talent might be the strongest in our Hidden Mist Village, no, perhaps even in the entire shinobi world."
"Soma, how about I invite Hozuki Mangetsu over to give it a try?"
Soma nodded.
"That's fine, but, Mizukage-sama, since we're trying, I think it would be good to arrange for a few more people. Pioggia not only demands high Water Release talent, but also has some other compatibility factors related to the ninja's personality."
"They might prefer someone with a livelier personality."
"Because the power of the Shonisaurus is very lively, somewhat childish."
The Third Mizukage raised an eyebrow.
"It's also related to personality? It seems that this Pioggia must similar in this regard to Samehada among the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords."
"Soma, your suggestion of having more people try it makes sense."
"Alright, here's the plan. I'll have ANBU ninja arrange it. As for the location, let's use Mizukage Island, I'll have ANBU ninja prepare a relatively secluded area."
"With more people, it might take a bit longer, how about tomorrow night, Soma?"
Soma nodded.
"Mizukage-sama, I have no objections on my end."
"Good, let's arrange it like this."
The Third Mizukage glanced again at Pioggia on the table.
"Soma, you take Pioggia back for now."
"Alright."
Soma picked up Pioggia.
"Oh, Soma, have you thought about what we discussed last time?"
"What did Mizukage-sama mention?"
"About naming the ninja tools you create."
The Third Mizukage said, "Samehada, Thunder Swords... these are known as the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords. This name once shook the shinobi world, though now it faces some setbacks, there are still those who remember it."
"It can intimidate many."
"If the ninja tools you create could have a series name, it wouldn't just enhance the sense of belonging among users but also increase the deterrent power to the outside world."
Soma understood this meaning.
That is, through a name, to form a new group.
Members of this group would automatically work to maintain its reputation.
Once someone targets another, what that person is targeting may just be an individual, but it often turns into hostility toward this whole group and this group definitely belongs to the Hidden Mist Village.
As time goes by, it will evolve into another group of the Mist Seven.
No, it's a group even more powerful than the Mist Seven.
Once such a group forms, it may even pose a certain threat to the position of the Mizukage.
They might obey the group's orders rather than the Mizukage's.
But the Third Mizukage doesn't mind.
He even sees it as a good thing.
For one, the Third Mizukage is aware that he's getting old and won't be able to sit in the position of Mizukage for much longer.
Another thing is, the Third Mizukage doesn't care about the position of Mizukage; what he wants is to make the Hidden Mist Village stronger, and he's willing to accept anything for that.
Moreover, the Third Mizukage believes that the next Mizukage can be chosen entirely from within this group.
In that case, the existence of this group will have no adverse effects on the Hidden Mist Village.
Instead, it will become the core competitiveness of the Hidden Mist Village.
The more ninja tools Soma creates, the stronger the core competitiveness of the Hidden Mist Village becomes.
It can also be passed down from generation to generation.
Different from ninja... Ninja die. But ninja tools often last for a very long time.
When the Third Mizukage mentioned it before, Soma had thought about it, and so had Soma himself.
Names floated in Soma's mind one by one.
"Teigu," "Zanpakuto," "Cursed Tool," "Supreme Sword" "Box Weapon"...
Soma didn't want to come up with an extra name himself.
Instead, he wanted to borrow one from the known series names of ninja tools.
"Teigu" has no clear meaning within the worldview of ninja in the Naruto universe.
The leader of a ninja village is called "Kage."
The leader of a country is the "Daimyo."
Neither has anything to do with the character for emperor.
Similarly, there's "Cursed Tool," which is even more difficult to understand for people in this world than "Teigu."
Names like "Great Grade Sword" or "Skillful Grade Sword" would sound more complete if they were accompanied by some indication of craftsmanship. Otherwise, they might seem ordinary, and the number of ninja tools Soma creates is unknown, so it's impossible to determine how much craftsmanship is involved.
"Box Weapon" lacks intimidation"
"Mizukage-sama, what do you think of 'Zanpakuto'?"
Compared to the ninja tools created by Soma, the word "sword" seems somewhat limiting.
For example, "God's Hand" and "Pioggia" don't fit the description of a sword.
But then Soma remembered that many Zanpakuto in the Shinigami World don't even resemble swords after their initial release.
They might be meteor hammers, long spears, knuckle dusters, axes...
And the "Hollowfication" of the "Zanpakuto," in part, will merge with the body, transforming into other shapes.
More importantly, for the Hidden Mist Village, the word "sword" holds special significance.
After much hesitation, Soma finally spoke out the name.
"Zanpakuto?"
(Ps: Zanpakuto means Soul-cutter sword)
The Third Mizukage pondered for a moment.
"The 'paku' in 'Zanpakuto,' does it refer to the soul?"
"Yes."
Soma nodded.
"A Ninjato that can even slay souls..."
The Third Mizukage said, "I remember the Uzumaki Clan possessed a special sealing Ninjutsu called the 'Dead Demon Consuming Seal,' which could summon a Shinigami and take away a person's soul."
"Using 'Zanpakuto' as a series name, I think it's a good idea."
"But..."
The Third Mizukage's gaze once again fell upon the Pioggia in Soma's hands.
No matter how you look at it, Pioggia doesn't seem like a sword.
"It can be overlooked."
"A 'sword' doesn't necessarily refer to an actual blade."
"It can represent that relentless intent to kill."
"The belief in slaying everything!"
Before Soma could find a reason, the Third Mizukage proactively provided one for him.
"Soma, let's go with what you said."
"I'll arrange for people to gradually spread this concept."
"In the future, the Ninjato and ninja tools you create will be called Zanpakuto."
"And as for the users of Ninjato and ninja tools, they will be called Zanpakuto wielders."
Soma paused.
The three words "Zanpakuto" sounded good.
But if you add the word "wielder," "Zanpakuto wielder," the overall elegance drops significantly.
Soma looked at the Third Mizukage, and a phrase unconsciously came to his mind.'Mizukage-sama, are you the Golden Flash of the Hidden Mist Village?'
As soon as the words were spoken, the Third Mizukage realized it was inappropriate.
"The title 'Zanpakuto wielder' doesn't sound very appealing. Since they're called Zanpakuto, the corresponding ninja might as well be called Shinigami. Soma, what do you think? The ninja who contract with a Zanpakuto will be classified as members of the Shinigami Squad."
Soma: "..."
Soma originally just intended to borrow the name of Zanpakuto.
But he didn't expect the Third Mizukage to even borrow the name of Shinigami.
However, the name Zanpakuto does indeed easily evoke associations with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal Jutsu in this world.
And thinking of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal naturally leads to thoughts of Shinigami.
The logic of the Third Mizukage is quite clear.
Shinigami are entities that take people's souls.
Zanpakuto are entities that even slay souls.
What's wrong with calling those who wield Zanpakuto "Shinigami"?
Coincidentally, the Hidden Mist Village is currently at war with Konoha.
The two ninja villages are in a hostile relationship.
After the Uzumaki Clan was nearly wiped out, and Uzushiogakure disappeared, most of the Uzumaki Clan's legacy fell into the hands of Konoha. The Dead Demon Consuming Seal also became a sealing jutsu of Konoha.
Choosing the name Shinigami will make the people of Konoha uncomfortable.
Why not take advantage of it?
"Mizukage-sama, I think this name is more suitable than 'Zanpakuto wielder'."
The Third Mizukage showed a smile.
"In that case, Soma, let it be decided. The Shinigami Squad will be directly under the Mizukage, like the Hidden Mist Seven, as an elite ninja team."
Soma felt a bit strange that when these two names were decided, the Third Mizukage seemed even happier and more concerned than when he heard about Pioggia's appearance.
But soon, Soma understood why.
Pioggia's appearance merely added a potential elite ninja to the Hidden Mist Village.
However, the confirmation of the names Zanpakuto and Shinigami Squad held a different significance for the Third Mizukage.
It's like how the Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu is remembered.
Whenever people in the ninja world mention the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, they remember that they were created during Hozuki Gengetsu's tenure.
Mention the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords and they remember the Great Blacksmith of the Hidden Mist Village from back then.
Now, with the name Shinigami Squad confirmed, in the future, whenever people in the ninja world mention the Shinigami Squad, they will remember that it was created during the Third Mizukage's tenure. This is an achievement for a Kage.
A way to be remembered by future generations.
Uehara Soma thought of a phrase—eternal fame.
"Indeed."
"No matter who they are, people cannot escape the desire for fame and fortune."
"For someone like the Third Mizukage, he has status, power, wealth, and women... but in terms of fame, he's somewhat lacking."
Uehara Soma remembered that in the original storyline, the Third Mizukage didn't even have a proper name mentioned.
But now, in this world, the Third Mizukage certainly wouldn't lack presence.
Mentioning the Shinigami Squad inevitably brings up the Third Mizukage.
Of course, it also brings up himself, the Blacksmith.
...
Returning to Forging Island.
Uehara Soma put away Pioggia and looked at the semi-transparent screen in front of him.
[Name: Uehara Soma]
[Comprehensive Strength: Special Jonin]
[Swordsmanship: Skilled (5300)]
[Body Modification Technique: Familiar (2000)]
[Abilities: Underwater Breathing]
[Forging Technique: Very Good (Proficient - Forging Island bonus, God's Hand bonus)]
[Mission Items: Thug Recruitment Token X3]
[Blacksmith Reputation: 202]
[Evaluation: As a Blacksmith, the basics are pretty good. Because you have your own forging facilities and equipment, your Forging Technique has received a boost, giving you a chance to forge high-quality ninja tools.]
[As a Ninja, you have a certain level of strength, stronger than cannon fodder.]
"Very Good..."
When Uehara Soma saw these words, he couldn't help but twitch his eye.
"Because I developed the Breathing Forging Method, my Forging Technique isn't just at the Good level."
"Good corresponds to techniques like charcoal magma smelting, magma forging, and ordinary shaping, quenching, and tempering..."
"This Very Good evaluation should be similar to Special Jonin."
"Most of my Forging Techniques are still at the Good level, probably at the top tier of Good."
"But the Breathing Forging Method surpasses the Good level."
"However, overall, it hasn't reached the Excellent level, so it receives a Very Good evaluation."
Uehara Soma looked away.
"This means I'm on the right path."
"Focus on Forging Techniques, create ninja tools, and earn rewards."
"In the remaining time, learn other ninja skills to improve the chances of completing tasks in the dimensional dungeons, achieving a positive cycle."
...
Mizukage's Building.
After finishing the paperwork, the Third Mizukage went to the window, looking in the direction of Forging Island.
Because of the distance, only a black dot could be seen from here.
But the Third Mizukage was in a great mood.
"Meeting Soma has been a fortunate event for me as the Mizukage."
"The First Mizukage created the Hidden Mist Village, with extraordinary achievements."
"Lord Second created the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, further enhancing the strength of the Hidden Mist Village."
"I inherited the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and introduced the Bloody Mist Policy, giving the elites of the Hidden Mist Village more room to excel and raising the level of elite ninjas."
"However, these changes aren't easily noticeable."
"But now, things are different."
"During my tenure, the Zanpakuto and Shinigami Squad emerged."
"Even if my achievements don't match those of the First Mizukage, they might still rival those of Lord Second."
"The word 'mediocre' will not be part of the evaluations of me."
The Third Mizukage cared deeply about this.
The Third Mizukage actually knew that some people in the Hidden Mist Village did not have a good opinion of him.
For instance, members of the Kaguya Clan did not respect the Third Mizukage much but it's going to be different!
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