"Kirigakure has dispatched the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They're all masters proficient in using ninja swords. The battle situation is getting rather tight," Mitokado Homura said, looking at the obtained intelligence.
The intelligence extracted from the captured Kirigakure ninja by Hizashi's team had revealed that the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, the elite group of Kirigakure, had appeared. These Kirigakure ninjas, who were adept at using ninja swords, were not easy to deal with.
Utatane Koharu beside him opened her eyes slightly and said, "Then send Orochimaru's disciple. His body is immune to physical attacks. As long as he doesn't encounter Water Release, he'll be the bane of ninja swords."
Mitokado Homura pondered for a while and said, "No, his strength and chakra are still insufficient. It's impossible for him to take on seven people alone. He needs help."
"Shibi Aburame from the Aburame clan is quite capable. With Torifune's assistance, they can ensure the safety of this kid. Sending Asakawa Seisuke is also to assess the strength of this generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist was a hereditary title in Kirigakure. All seven were elite ninjas of Kirigakure, each equipped with a ninja sword suitable for their own ninjutsu. Legend had it that the seven of them together could conquer a small country overnight. Their strength was formidable, causing a lot of trouble for Konoha in this battle.
"Alright, call them here."
Before long, Seisuke, Shibi Aburame from the Aburame clan, and Akimichi Torifune, the current head of the Akimichi clan, arrived.
"Homura, Koharu."
Like the Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Danzo, and Uchiha Kagami, Akimichi Torifune was also a disciple of the Second Hokage. They were very familiar with each other. However, he had declined the position of Hokage advisor offered by the Third Hokage and did not become one. But his status was similar to theirs.
Seeing Akimichi Torifune greeting them, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu nodded. Mitokado Homura said, "Torifune, there's a mission that requires you to complete."
"No problem, go ahead," Akimichi Torifune slapped his chest and laughed heartily. "I didn't expect there'd be a mission that requires this old bones of mine to step in. Tell me about it."
The Akimichi clan were broad - minded and easy - going as long as you didn't mention their weight.
"I hope you'll lead Shibi and this kid, Seisuke, to deal with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
Good grief, this is like sending me to my death!
Seisuke glanced at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, whose expressions were indifferent. His already not - so - good impression of them took a nosedive. If I have the chance in the future, I'll definitely get back at them!
Shibi Aburame didn't show much reaction. Akimichi Torifune looked at Seisuke, frowned, and said, "No, I don't agree. He's just a kid. It's fine for Shibi and me, but I can't take a child to the battlefield."
"Umm..."
Seisuke was about to say he wasn't that young but thought better of it and shut up.
Mitokado Homura explained, "I understand what you mean, but to put it this way, among those here in Konoha, you three are the most suitable to deal with the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist right now."
"Has Konoha become so short - staffed? We haven't reached the point where a child has to face the enemy's top - tier combat power, have we?!" Akimichi Torifune refused to agree no matter what.
Seisuke finally understood why the Third Hokage had given the position of Hokage advisor to Danzo and the others but not to Akimichi Torifune.
He was too warm - hearted. As a village decision - maker, one couldn't be so kind - hearted. One needed a cold and firm heart to make the most suitable and optimal choices for the village at critical moments.
Akimichi Torifune's personality wasn't suitable for it, and he knew it himself. That's why he didn't accept the position of Hokage advisor. Otherwise, there would be constant arguments.
Utatane Koharu tried to soothe Torifune. "Torifune, don't be in a rush. This kid is the disciple with a special constitution that Orochimaru took in, Asakawa Seisuke. His body can be immune to physical attacks. That's why we decided to have you lead him and Shibi to confront the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
Torifune still frowned, looking at Seisuke and saying, "Having such a young kid in this situation, I really..."
"But this is war. The environment that Tobirama - sensei lived in back then was even harsher than it is now, yet he persevered," said Utatane Koharu.
"The purpose of the First Hokage in founding Konoha was to ensure that children's childhoods wouldn't be like his and Tobirama - sensei's. Don't you know that?"
"I know, but there's no other way now. And with you around, I believe that even if you can't win, you can retreat safely. All we ask is that you try to take down a few of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They pose too great a threat to Konoha."
"Is there really no other option?" If possible, Torifune really didn't want to take a child to the battlefield, but there was no alternative.
"We wish there were," Utatane Koharu smiled bitterly. "Now Konoha is surrounded by enemies. Orochimaru and Jiraiya are still engaged in a fierce battle on the battlefields of the Land of Wind and the Land of Thunder. Most of Konoha's forces have been dispatched to those major battlefronts. Danzo has been sent to the border of the Land of Rain to guard against attacks from the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth. The people who went with him are from Root and the Anbu. As you can see here, there are quite a few kids who graduated less than two years ago."
Kirigakure's strength had declined in recent years due to their own self - destructive actions. Otherwise, it would be quite difficult for them, leading a group of inexperienced kids, to hold off Kirigakure.
"I understand, but if there's danger, I'll lead the two kids to retreat."
"Up to you. You have all the intelligence on the ninja swords, so I don't need to elaborate. With Shibi around, we don't lack a sensory - type ninja. You'll be the captain of this temporary team. I'm counting on you, Torifune."
"Got it. Let's go."
Torifune led the two of them away. After getting supplies from the logistics and relevant intelligence, they left the camp.
On the way, Torifune said, "Seisuke, right?"
"Yes."
"To be honest, it's our fault for sending you kids to the battlefield. Konoha has run out of available ninjas. Sending you kids who graduated not long ago to the battlefield is really..."
"Captain, it's okay. This is war," Seisuke said. "I'm really afraid of death, so I won't die on the battlefield easily."
Looking at Seisuke's calm appearance, Torifune laughed. "Seems like I was overthinking. Let's go then. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist aren't easy to deal with. Shibi, I'll trouble you to scout the way."
Shibi Aburame, the father of Shino Aburame of the future Konoha 12 Strong, was also a ninja with low presence but strong strength.
A swarm of bugs flew out from the gourd on his back and flew forward to scout the way.
One had to be cautious in the Land of Waves because the assassination skills of Kirigakure ninjas were among the best in the five great ninja villages.