Shigure glanced at Kaguya Kuji and Oshiro Mumei.
One carried the Shikotsumyaku kekkei genkai, the bone-manipulating power of the Kaguya Clan.
The other wielded Boil Release, a rare kekkei genkai capable of melting even the strongest defenses.
With their strength — and armed with two of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist — their combat potential had grown immensely.
Kuji gripped the Blast Sword: Shibuki, while Mumei hefted the Blunt Sword: Kabutowari.
As one of the most aggressive clans in history, the Kaguya were fearsome in close quarters.
Yet Shibuki granted Kuji explosive mid-range firepower, making him far deadlier than any average swordsman. After Shigure's enhancements, the weapon looked like something straight out of a legendary epic — more protagonist's greatsword than traditional ninja blade.
Kabutowari, in contrast, was originally a combination of axe and hammer. Shigure found the hybrid design awkward and reforged it into a powerful hammer while retaining a minimal edge — still technically a "sword," but only in name. Function over form.
"They are the last two," someone whispered. "The new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
The seven stood with their weapons drawn in silent formation. Their collective pressure made nearby Mist shinobi stumble back in awe.
The reformation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was a declaration —Kirigakure had returned to the world stage.
Bloodline clans had come home. The Tailed Beast had returned.
And now the Seven Swordsmen walked the Mist once more.
From a village once shrouded in weakness and isolation — Kirigakure was surging back into its golden age.
"Tomorrow," Shigure announced, "you will reveal yourselves to the entire village."
"At that time, challengers will come. Be ready."
The title of Seven Ninja Swordsman represented not just power — but the highest honor Kirigakure could bestow.
Every Mist shinobi dreamed of standing among the seven.
Honor, recognition, glory — the swords themselves were secondary.
For that reason… few would accept newcomers without testing them.
"Lord Shigure, rest assured!" Kuji declared.
"I'll make anyone who challenges us understand the gulf between us!"
Chōjūrō opened his mouth to speak — then closed it again. Kuji had clearly assumed the mantle of leadership. Whether he could keep it… would depend on strength alone.
A Village Stirred
While most of the village remained unaware of the swordsmen's rebirth, another story had already swept through the Hidden Mist:
"Lord Shigure killed Danzo Shimura in broad daylight… in Konoha…right in front of Tsunade and Jiraiya!"
"And Konoha demanded we return Hyūga Hinata — claiming we kidnapped her!"
"They even ordered the Mizukage to hand over Lord Shigure!"
To civilians, this smelled like the beginning of war.
But to Kirigakure's shinobi?
It was exhilarating.
A rush of vindication and pride.
In the very heart of the strongest village…In front of two Sannin…Shigure cut down one of their Elders — and walked away unscathed.
That level of confidence…
No — power —
ignited something primal in the Mist.
They were no longer afraid of Konoha.
They had simply lacked someone who could stand against it.
Now that someone had appeared.
Shigure alone had torn down the illusion of Leaf supremacy — and brought home the head of a tyrant.
His name spread like wildfire.
Even those who once doubted him fell into reverence.
In the shinobi world, strength commands respect. And Shigure had just proven he stood above all challengers.
Mei Terumī's Concern
"Explain this to me, Ao,"
Mei Terumī rubbed her temples.
"What is that boy thinking? I'm losing track."
Ao considered carefully before replying:
"Two reasons, Lord Mizukage."
"First — our victory over Kumogakure was still fresh. The village was already overflowing with pride."
"Then Shigure immediately shattered Konoha's 'invincible' image. At the perfect moment."
"With the momentum of celebration behind us, the people of Kirigakure feel like we have no rivals left."
Ao exhaled slowly.
"It's a dangerous feeling… but undeniably satisfying."
Ao recalled something Shigure once declared boldly:
"I will become Mizukage — and I will accomplish three things."
Capture the Tailed Beasts.
Rebuild the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Earn the trust of the shinobi of Kirigakure.
Ao looked toward Mei Terumī.
"Lord Mizukage… all three goals have already been fulfilled."
Shigure had recaptured the Six-Tails for Kirigakure — and even seized the Seven-Tails from Takigakure.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen had been restored, their blades gleaming once more beneath the Mist.
Mei narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
"So… he's preparing to claim the title of Mizukage."
How long had it really been?
Could Shigure truly ascend to Mizukage so soon?
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Lord Mizukage, a message from Lord Shigure!"
A Mist shinobi presented a sealed scroll.
Mei unrolled it — and immediately sighed with a helpless smile.
"This brat… he really intends to take over Kirigakure."
Ao hesitated a moment before speaking:
"Are we… actually allowing him to become Mizukage? I have no objection — but isn't this too fast?"
Mei set the scroll aside and smirked.
"Too fast? No. If he becomes Mizukage, he becomes ours. Everything he does will be for Kirigakure."
Ao blinked — then nodded slowly.
That made sense. The village would anchor him.
Meanwhile… at Sea
A small vessel cut through storm-tossed waves, heading straight toward Kirigakure.
Two figures stood calmly upon the deck — unrattled by the raging water.
Wind howled. The sea churned violently.
But neither so much as swayed.
Black cloaks hung from their shoulders…adorned with red clouds.
The Akatsuki had come.
...
TN:
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