章 152: Chapter 152, Zudomon's Hammer, forging complete!
With the final round of forging finished, there weren't many steps left.
Soma decided to push through and stayed in the forging room to complete the remaining parts.
Four days later,
Kisame returned to the Hidden Mist Village.
Meanwhile, Soma also completed the forging of Zudomon's Hammer.
A massive hammer stood before Soma.
Made primarily of Chrondigizoit Metal.
Performing the Chakra Smelting Technique, Breathing Forging Method, Sage's Polishing Technique and having Master-level Forging Technique.
Even though the system's rating hasn't come through yet, Soma can already tell that this hammer is extraordinary.
A voice echoed in Soma's mind.
"Congratulations on completing the forging."
"Zudomon's Hammer forged successfully."
"Completion level, Perfect."
Immediately after, another voice sounded.
"Detected a qualified Blacksmith. Would you like to bind?"
Soma hesitated not.
"Bind!"
"Binding successful."
"Zudomon's Hammer is now bound as the exclusive forging hammer of Blacksmith Soma."
[Binding Effect One: Zudomon's Hammer can change size at the Blacksmith's will, ranging from its true size to that of a handheld hammer.]
[Binding Effect Two: Zudomon's Hammer's abilities have been enhanced to a certain degree.]
[Binding Effect Three: The Blacksmith possesses the recall ability for Zudomon's Hammer, disregarding spatial constraints.]
Soma gripped the handle of Zudomon's Hammer.
With a single thought,
Zudomon's Hammer visibly shrank at a rapid speed.
Soon enough, in Soma's hand, it resembled a handheld hammer.
To an observer, it appeared no different from the hammer Soma used for forging.
However, Soma could distinctly feel the difference.
"A lighter feel."
"But much heavier weight."
"Using Zudomon's Hammer for forging will increase efficiency several times over."
"And, within Zudomon's Hammer, it also contains the power of thunder and lightning."
"If during the forging process, I infuse Chakra, I can even imbue this thunder and lightning power into the metal being forged, granting it attributes."
"However, those metals must be able to withstand it."
Soma swung the hammer.
"Water Drop Hammer!"
With a single blow,
Instantly, the stubborn rock in front of Soma was pulverized.
Soma's eyes lit up.
"Such incredible power!"
"This is even stronger than many Water Release techniques."
"A single blow, and not many ninjas can withstand it."
"And more importantly, a lot of the power comes from Zudomon's Hammer itself, so my own energy consumption is not significant."
"In a sense, Zudomon's Hammer is like my version of Hidden Mist Village's Zanpakuto."
"I've also become one of the members of the Hidden Mist Village's Shinigami Squad."
"For long-range, Water Release."
"For close combat, use the hammer."
"As a combat ninja, I no longer have any obvious weaknesses."
"In terms of overall strength, among Jonin, I am certainly outstanding."
Soma strapped the hammer to his waist, much like others would with a Ninjato.
"The only thing is, this time crafting Zudomon's Hammer, there was unexpectedly no reward."
"Rarely do I create a ninja tool of Perfect quality."
"However, this isn't a Blueprint extracted from reputation; it's still an exclusive ninja tool for Blacksmiths."
"I should be satisfied."
"Among many systems, my Blacksmith System has a decent feedback rate."
"Not as good as those who just sign in, slack off, or lie down."
"But more reliable than the useless ones at least."
When Soma stepped out of the forging room, he saw a figure looking very haggard standing at the door.
Kisame heard the door open, looked up, and saw Soma, his eyes bloodshot.
"Soma, I'm sorry."
Kisame lowered his head.
"I lost Kiriichimonji."
Kisame didn't blame anyone else besides himself.
He didn't attribute the responsibility to the sudden appearance of Kaguya Neko.
He didn't blame other Hidden Mist Village ninjas for not providing quick support.
He only blamed himself.
"Kisame, I already know what happened with Kiriichimonji. It's not your fault. You don't need to blame yourself. Anyone would have struggled in that situation."
"Kaguya Neko's strength already surpasses that of a Jonin."
Dragon-Bone, combined with the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai.
Kaguya Neko even repelled Orochimaru.
Even though at that time, Orochimaru wasn't in his full power.
But that also underscores a point.
Kaguya Neko's strength has already reached the level of a Kage.
It can be said that if the Third Mizukage didn't have the Skeleton Emperor, he wouldn't be Kaguya Neko's match.
Just like how Uchiha Itachi, upon activating the Mangekyo Sharingan, easily defeated Orochimaru.
In the ninja world, fairness doesn't exist.
Equal effort, equal reward?
Impossible.
Talent, bloodline limits, resources...
These things may be far more important than effort.
Because anyone can put in effort. But obtaining anything beyond effort is much harder.
Of course, on the flip side, without other conditions, if you don't even try hard, you won't become a powerful ninja.
"Kisame, you haven't forgotten your original intentions, have you?"
"I remember when you didn't have Kiriichimonji, the confidence you had back then. Could it be that without Kiriichimonji, Kisame, you feel inadequate?"
Kisame instinctively retorted.
"Of course not."
"I just feel very sorry to you, Soma. You trusted me so much, entrusted me with the first Zanpakuto you forged, but I failed to protect it."
Soma patted Kisame's shoulder.
"I told you, I don't blame you."
"This isn't your fault."
"If you continue blaming yourself, it's like you don't consider me a friend."
"It's just a Kiriichimonji, after all."
"Do you think I can't forge a new Zanpakuto?"
With that said, Soma stood up.
"Kisame, since you're back, it's perfect timing."
"I just received a new mission assignment. Come with me to complete this mission."
"This mission requires three people."
"You'll go with Ao-senpai."
Kisame hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Soma looked at Kisame.
"Do you need to rest?"
Kisame was originally going to say he didn't need to rest.
But considering the importance of this mission, he decided it was best to adjust himself to optimal condition.
"Soma, can we do it tomorrow morning?"
"Of course."
Soma smiled.
"Kisame, take a good rest today."
"Alright."
Kisame didn't leave Forging Island. Instead, he found an empty house and went to sleep.
Ao came over to Soma's side.
"Kisame has indeed suffered a great setback this time."
"He was once the top of the younger generation in the ninja world."
"But because of losing Kiriichimonji, he's fallen drastically."
"There are countless rumors and gossip about it."
"The power of words can be very hurtful."
"Not just among other ninja villages, but also within our own village."
"Especially within the Hozuki Clan."
Soma had anticipated this.
After the confrontation between Zanpakuto and the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords, the Hozuki Clan became more mysterious.
Due to the Hozuki Clan's weak strength, their path to revival took only a few steps.
They didn't dare to take any substantial actions.
They could only act mysteriously behind the scenes.
"I believe Kisame won't give up like this."
"And as for the issue with the Ninjato, I will resolve it sooner or later."
The loss of Kiriichimonji was actually arranged by the Third Mizukage.
However, Soma also thought of something.
As he forged more Zanpakuto himself,
inevitably, he would be targeted by people from other ninja villages.
There was a possibility of them being snatched away.
After all, even things like Byakugan and Sharingan, which grew on the body, could be snatched away.
Let alone Ninjato held in hand, worn on waist, or carried on shoulder.
If there was a scroll like the Seven Ninja Swords, with a Summoning that could be called, it would be much better.
Even the scroll for Summoning had limitations, such as if a Ninjato was in the hands of another ninja, it couldn't be forcibly Summoned back in that way.
But now the problem with Zanpakuto is, if it falls into a canyon, or a swamp, there's no better way to get it back, but to go to the place where it fell and find it.
"If all Zanpakuto had the same recall effect as my Zudomon's Hammer, that would be great."
Ao nodded.
"It seems so."
"Kisame is a promising young man. If he were to falter here, it would be a pity for the village."
"As long as Kisame can overcome this obstacle, he will surely have a place among the future strong ninjas of the ninja world."
"Just like the current members of the Golden Generation."
While Kisame rested, Soma went to the training ground.
Joining him was Hozuki Izumo.
The training ground was empty.
Previously, Ameyuri had always been there, but now she had gone to the frontline battlefield.
She competed with others for the title of the top of the younger generation.
"Izumo, let's begin."
"Yes, Chief-sama."
Hozuki Izumo said, "The foundation of Hozuki Clan's Water Release is the Hydrification Jutsu."
"It can be said that mastering the Hydrification Jutsu is key to mastering other Water Release techniques."
"Such as Water Gun Jutsu, Water Balloon Jutsu, Oil Transformation Jutsu."
"And the ultimate Ninjutsu, Steaming Danger Tyranny."
As Hozuki Izumo mentioned this, a hint of fanaticism appeared in his eyes.
Steaming Danger Tyranny.
An extremely powerful Water Release Ninjutsu.
It creates a clone made of oil and water mixture that can explode multiple times.
It has immense power.
In the original storyline, Second Mizukage Hozuki Gengetsu relied on this Ninjutsu to severely wound the Second Tsuchikage beyond recovery at the cost of his own life.
Countless members of the Hozuki Clan dream of mastering this Ninjutsu.
Once mastered, they immediately step into the ranks of top-level ninjas.
Unfortunately, no one learned it after Hozuki Gengetsu.
Until now, there is only one potential candidate who could possibly learn it, Hozuki Mangetsu.
Soma confirmed this through the Ninjato's compatibility judgment.
Hozuki Mangetsu's talent in Water Release surpasses that of Hozuki Suigetsu by quite a bit.
Hozuki Suigetsu's Water Release talent is already quite impressive.
Perhaps Hozuki Mangetsu truly has a chance to reach the level of Hozuki Gengetsu in his prime.
However, in the original storyline, Hozuki Mangetsu unfortunately died too early.
Even if Hozuki Mangetsu reaches the level of Hozuki Gengetsu in this world, Soma believes he still cannot become the strongest in the Hidden Mist Village.
Because in the current Hidden Mist Village, there exist Ninjatos crafted by him.
Just one Ninjato can create a formidable warrior.
The strength of the Skeleton Emperor surpasses even Uchiha Obito and Nagato need to avoid its edge.
"Learning Hydrification Jutsu is very difficult."
Hozuki Izumo said, "In addition to requiring extremely strong Water Release talent, you also need to drink a special potion."
"Our Hozuki Clan members learn the Hydrification Jutsu under these conditions."
"However, the potion preserved by the Hozuki Clan is highly secretive, accessible only to the Clan Head and elders."
"Very few people know the formula for the potion."
Soma frowned slightly.
"How did the senior who initially created the Hydrification Jutsu learn it?"
"Chief, that's another matter," said Hozuki Izumo.
"According to the Hozuki Clan's genealogical records, our ancestors of the Hozuki Clan undoubtedly consumed a type of fish that lived in the deep sea to acquire those conditions."
"Afterward, other members of the Hozuki Clan attempted it, but the results were not ideal."
"Consuming that type of fish indeed provided the conditions to learn the Hydrification Jutsu, but the success rate cannot compare to consuming the Hozuki Clan's potion."
"The difference is at least several tens of times."
"The requirements for Water Release talent are much higher."
Soma's eyes flickered.
If it were other requirements, Soma might still be worried.
But when it comes to Water Release talent, Soma is completely confident.
Through multiple forging sessions, he gained multiple rewards.
Soma's Water Release talent has long reached the Ultimate level.
For Good-level talent, the limit is Jonin.
For Excellent-level talent, the limit is Elite Jonin.
For Perfect-level talent, the limit reaches Kage.
So, what about the Ultimate level?
Without basic attribute restrictions, Soma believes he would certainly not be inferior to the Hozuki Clan ninja who originally developed the Hydrification Jutsu.
"What fish?"
Hozuki Izumo pulled out a scroll.
Opened it.
"Snap!"
Immediately, a large fish appeared.
"Chief-sama, I have already caught the fish in advance," said Hozuki Izumo.
Soma nodded slightly. "Well done."
This task was done satisfactorily by Hozuki Izumo, at least enough to please Soma. If Izumo hadn't caught the fish in advance or mentioned its name, requiring Soma to catch it last minute, he wouldn't have said much. However, he would have felt that Izumo wasn't efficient.
In that case, when forging Ninjato, Soma wouldn't think so highly of Izumo.
"Any special way to cook it?" asked Soma.
"No," replied Izumo.
"Then I'll just grill it directly."
A flame appeared in Soma's hand. Soon, a savory aroma filled the air.
Soma began to eat heartily. The taste wasn't great. In fact, it was quite bad.
However, there were no toxins.
That was enough.
Before long, Soma had eaten the entire large fish, leaving only some bones behind.
Hozuki Izumo began explaining the learning method for the Hydrification Jutsu.
But regarding whether Soma could learn the Hydrification Jutsu, Hozuki Izumo wasn't optimistic.
Firstly, Soma was not a member of the Hozuki Clan.
Secondly, Soma opted for a much more difficult method by consuming a large fish, rather than using the Hozuki Clan's potion.
If he could learn it this way, how terrifying would Soma's Water Release talent be?
Hozuki Izumo didn't believe Soma's talent was that exceptional.
---
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