[The abilities of the Cold Dome have been amplified to a certain extent.]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Good-level Ice Release talent.]
Soma's eyes flickered. "The contract level is Excellent, but the Ice Release talent feedback I received is only Good level."
"This proves that Mashiro's talent in Ice Release is only at the Good level..."
"The highest attainable level is Jonin." Soma was slightly disappointed.
With the Ultimate-level Water Release talent and Excellent-level Lightning Release talent, Soma had become somewhat dismissive of Good-level talents.
The bigger issue was that, unlike Water Release, Lightning Release, and Fire Release, which are relatively easy to collect and synthesize, Ice Release talent, Soma felt, could only be found in Mashiro and Haku. No one else.
Unless, in the future, Mashiro had more children who also inherited her Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.
"But, after all, it is Kekkei Genkai."
"It's better than just obtaining a Good-level ordinary ninjutsu talent from Mashiro." Soma could vaguely sense that some change was happening within his body.
Two different types of Chakra, at a certain special ratio, merged together. Water and Wind attributes.
"In that case, could it also improve my Wind Release talent a bit?" Soma didn't know what it was like for those born with Kekkei Genkai.
But Soma could sense changes within himself. A wave of intense icy coldness emanated from Mashiro. The next moment, Mashiro swung hersword forward.
"Roar, Cold Dome!"
Immediately, Mashiro felt a large amount of Chakra surge into the Cold Dome, and soon, ice began to form at the front of the Cold Dome, crystallizing at an incredibly fast rate.
Until it took the shape of an ice dragon. Ameyuri couldn't help but recall the opponent she had defeated earlier in the "Forging Master Spiritual Land."
"Did Uehara-san use the materials from that time to forge this Cold Dome?" The ice dragon emitted a strong, chilling aura and looked quite menacing.
Ameyuri glanced at the ice dragon.
"It's a lot worse compared to the one in the Forging Master Spiritual Land."
"This… should be Mashiro's issue."
However, Mashiro looked visibly stunned after seeing the ice dragon she had created, as if she hadn't expected to produce such a powerful attack.
"So this is the power of the Zanpakuto?" Mashiro quickly looked towards Soma.
"Congratulations, Mashiro. You have gained the recognition of the Cold Dome. I hope you won't let down its trust. So far, all the Zanpakuto wielders have made significant contributions to the village."
"Now, you are also a member of Hidden Mist Village. I believe you won't disappoint me."
Mashiro nodded seriously. "Chief-sama, I will do my best."
Previously, Mashiro had been completely uninterested in ninjas. After some training, Mashiro developed a certain interest in ninjas, but it was only slight, primarily driven by the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai within her.
In the remote villages of the Land of Water, Kekkei Genkai are viewed as a flood or a ferocious beast. But after arriving at Hidden Mist Village, Mashiro realized that it is a type of ability, a talent.
Countless people yearn for a Kekkei Genkai but cannot obtain it. Mashiro didn't actually see herself as a member of Hidden Mist Village. Mentally, she felt completely like a guest, very passive.
But now, Mashiro felt Soma's trust in her. This trust seemed somewhat unbelievable to Mashiro.
She had only recently arrived at Hidden Mist Village. Such a precious thing was given to her directly for a contract? Even though it's an ice attribute Zanpakuto, and only someone with Ice Release Kekkei Genkai like herself could make a contract, Soma didn't have to reveal it now.
A ninjato left aside wouldn't deteriorate. This trust deeply moved Mashiro. Gradually, she began to feel a sense of belonging to Forging Island...
Ameyuri and Mashiro left to join the front line and Soma watched them depart.
"I don't know how much reputation Mashiro can provide me with. But reaching 4000 points shouldn't be too difficult. There will be a bit of free time during this process. It's not long, but not short either , it can be used to expand the Water Release Ninjutsu of the Hozuki Clan."
"At present, I have already mastered Hydrification Jutsu and Water Gun Jutsu." Hozuki Izumo's talent in the Hozuki Clan is indeed not the best. Moreover, Lightning Release has taken away some of Izumo's focus from Water Release. Therefore, the Hozuki Clan Water Release Secret Jutsu mastered by Izumo aren't many.
"With the mastery of Water Gun Jutsu, and with my Water Release talent, mastering Double Water Gun and Rapid Fire Water Gun is not very difficult; it just requires more Chakra because the number has increased and requires higher water attribute Chakra Control, which I don't lack." Now, Soma has two Ninjutsu in front of him.
One is Water Balloon Jutsu. The other is Great Water Arm Jutsu. The former is semi-attacking and semi-defensive. It creates a Water Balloon that floats in mid-air and has explosive capabilities. It can trap enemies, preventing them from leaving, or trap oneself, preventing enemies from approaching.
Its effects are somewhat similar to Water Prison Jutsu, essentially acting as a cage.
"Great Water Arm Jutsu concentrates water onto one arm, greatly enhancing the strength of that arm." Soma thought for a moment.
"At present, Great Water Arm Jutsu will be more practical for me."
"Enhancing strength will be useful not only for my battles but also for my forging." Soma approached Hozuki Izumo.
"Izumo, introduce me to Great Water Arm Jutsu."
"Yes, Chief-sama." Hozuki Izumo wore a mask. His attire had been changed to something completely unrelated to the Hozuki Clan.
And he also had a codename. "Thundercloud." This was a name he chose himself. He took a character from his expertise in Lightning Release and another from his name.
Spending all day on Forging Island, it was nothing but training. Aside from the time Konoha carried out a surprise attack on the Mist Village and Izumo went out to provide support, he had never left Forging Island. Like Kaguya Satoru, he was immersed in training. Both were avengers. Satoru harbored a desire for revenge against Neko.
Izumo was driven by a desire to prove himself to the Hozuki Clan. Without other means to grow stronger, he could only endure hardship. Soma felt that both of them had become like ascetic monks. If they lost all their hair, it would be even more fitting.
Izumo explained the ninjutsu to Soma in detail.
…
…
Ameyuri, with Mashiro, immediately went to meet Fuguki. "Fuguki-sama."
"Ameyuri, you're back. How is Soma's training going?" Fuguki's attitude toward Ameyuri was very friendly. This was due to multiple factors.
They were both members of the Shinigami Squad. Ameyuri was Biwa Juzo's disciple. She was also the granddaughter of Mayuko Ringo. And she had a close relationship with Soma.
Fuguki had even thought that, if no other women appeared, Ameyuri might have a good chance of becoming Soma's wife. Many ninjas were like that.
A Ninja is a very busy profession. There aren't many people you interact with for long periods. Most ninjas' spouses are either former classmates or teammates. Or they are arranged marriages within families.
Soma did not follow the normal ninja path; he was trained from a young age on Forging Island. There were almost no female Blacksmiths. And none of the same age as Soma.
"It's worth noting that in a few years, Chief Uehara will reach the age for marriage. Given Chief Uehara's situation, there are very few women he can interact with regularly. Chief Uehara is immersed in work and doesn't care about such matters; he's a workaholic. When the opportunity arises, we should remind Chief Uehara. That excellent Blacksmith bloodline must be continued."
Ameyuri displayed a slightly confident smile. "Fuguki-sama, things are going well. I am indeed more suited to Lightning Release. My overall strength is much stronger compared to before."
Fuguki's eyes lit up. "Well, I'm looking forward to it. By the way, who is this?" Fuguki looked at Mashiro.
"This is Mashiro," Ameyuri introduced. "She has Ice Release Kekkei Genkai, but she hasn't received any Ninja training before; she only trained for a while on Forging Island under Sister Izumi. Uehara-san's intention is for Mashiro to start with some logistics, assisting medical ninjas and such."
"Once she adapts to the ninja lifestyle, she can face things head-on."
"By the way, Uehara-san has just forged a new Zanpakuto called Cold Dome, an ice attribute sword. Cold Dome has recognized Mashiro."
Fuguki's gaze immediately shifted to Mashiro's waist. "A new Zanpakuto? Ice Release Kekkei Genkai?"
Mashiro saluted Fuguki. "Greetings, Fuguki-sama."
"Could you show it to me?"
"Here?"
"Follow me." Fuguki led them to an open area. Mashiro drew Cold Dome and gripped the hilt. A surge of Chakra flowed in. "Roar, Cold Dome!" The next moment, an ice dragon emerged from the tip of the sword.
Fuguki was moved. "A genuine ice attribute ability, but in terms of strength, it's quite a bit weaker compared to Juzo's… However, it should not be the Zanpakuto's problem but rather the person's issue." Fuguki nodded.
"Not bad, Mashiro, right?"
"Yes, Fuguki-sama."
"Rest for today. Tomorrow, I'll arrange a specific position for you."
"Yes."
Fuguki signaled for someone to take Mashiro away.
After Mashiro left, Fuguki turned to Ameyuri.
"Ameyuri, I've never heard of this Mashiro before. Ice Release Kekkei Genkai hasn't been seen in the village before. What is her background? Is she trustworthy?"
Ameyuri shook her head. "I don't know the specifics, but Uehara-san says Mashiro can be trusted, and Uehara-san mentioned that Cold Dome is a purer Ice Blade compared to Blue Rose Sword, which is why he chose Mashiro to make a contract with Cold Dome."
Fuguki's eyes flickered. "Since Chief Uehara says she's trustworthy, then there shouldn't be any problem."
…
…
Konoha. Minato Namikaze arrived at the Sarutobi Clan's residence. Specifically, the Sarutobi Clan's training grounds. At this moment, Hiruzen was instructing Asuma in training.
"Minato, what brings you here?" Minato's face was full of exhaustion. At this moment, Minato truly felt how difficult it was to be the leader of a village, especially during wartime.
There were so many things to consider, and the relentless pressure was almost suffocating. Minato felt that the pressure was much greater than facing overwhelming enemies on the battlefield.
However, Minato did have some ideas on how to handle Konoha's situation. If he were not in the position of Hokage, Minato would find it easier to make decisions. But now, as Hokage, he was less certain about making decisions.
Minato had a faint feeling that there were many invisible eyes watching him. This put a lot of pressure on him. "Lord Third, the situation in the village has worsened. Jiraiya-sensei fought fiercely and barely managed to fend off the Hidden Cloud Army's assault."
"But Orochimaru-san's side can't stop the Hidden Rock Army and has retreated significantly, and here in Hidden Mist Village front, the pressure is mounting step by step."
"Kisame's team is something no one in Konoha can handle. Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu—nothing works against him."
"Plus, with Fuguki Suikazan and Kurosuki Raiga occasionally intervening, the pressure on us has reached its peak."
"Ameyuri, who returned to the battlefield, has learned a Lightning Hand technique from somewhere, and her efficiency in killing enemies is extremely high."
"Water Release for the initial strike, Lightning Release for control, and then she closes in. Once she gets close, even a Jonin has no chance to resist and can only watch as they are killed."
"Nikkari Ao'e's abilities combined with Lightning Release are a perfect match."
"Ameyuri even knows Kakashi's Chidori!"
Hiruzen frowned. "Chidori?"
"Yes."
"Chidori is a Ninjutsu developed by Kakashi himself. In all of Konoha, only Kakashi knows it. How does Ameyuri from Hidden Mist Village know it?"
Minato Namikaze thought for a moment. "Kakashi wouldn't go teach a ninja from a rival village, and he doesn't have the time. The only possibility is that Ameyuri learned Chidori by observing Kakashi using it."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed even more. "Doesn't this mean that Ameyuri's Lightning Release talent has reached a rather terrifying level?" Hiruzen was silent for a while.
"Minato, what are your thoughts?"
"Lord Third, I've decided to go to the front lines. Please remain in the village and oversee things." Minato said earnestly
"What you mentioned last time, the full retreat strategy, is ultimately a last resort. I want to give it my best effort. Please, Lord Third, take over the position of Hokage for now."
---
You can read up to 50 Advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/Lookar