From the Hozuki Clan, only a person has arrived.
In this situation, it's definitely not about wanting to bring them back to let the members of the family try one by one.
That would be too presumptuous.
Moreover, it will offend the Blacksmith.
Anyone with a brain wouldn't do such a thing.
Therefore, the current situation must be that the person from the Hozuki Clan doesn't want the Pioggia ninja tool.
'Do you think Pioggia is not good? Or do you have a problem with me, the Blacksmith? The situation of the Kaguya Clan is complicated, I anticipated that. What's the situation with this Hozuki Clan?'
Uehara Soma doesn't know much about the situation of the Hozuki Clan.
Only knows that the genius of the Hozuki Clan, the hope of the Clan, Hozuki Mangetsu died before making a name for himself in the ninja world, which further led to the decline of the Hozuki Clan.
And Hozuki Suigetsu was captured by Orochimaru as an experiment.
Other than that, there is no information about other members of the Hozuki Clan.
However, there is no news of the Hozuki Clan being wiped out like the Kaguya Clan.
"No ninja would refuse a ninja tool that makes them stronger. No ninja clan would refuse a resource delivered to their door. Unless this thing hinders another aspect of it."
In Uehara Soma's mind, a suspicion began to emerge.
"Could it be related to the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords?"
Something related to ninja tools, and related to the Hozuki Clan, the first thing that came to Uehara Soma's mind was this.
"It is said that within the Hozuki Clan, there exists a scroll that can Summon the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords."
"Furthermore, it's said that Hozuki Mangetsu was the only genius who could master the use of all seven Ninjato."
"But to master them, it's necessary to wield the Ninjato, not just swing it around for a while, but for a long time..."
Just at that moment.
"Creak!"
A figure walked in and everyone stood up.
"Mizukage-sama."
The Third Mizukage glanced at the lone figure of Hozuki Kazuhiko.
Then he moved to the main seat and sat down.
"Soma, Ao, please sit."
"Kazuhiko, please sit."
But Hozuki Kazuhiko didn't sit.
"Mizukage-sama."
"Kazuhiko, if there's something, sit and tell us. Today is not a serious occasion."
Only then did Hozuki Kazuhiko nod and sit down.
"Mizukage-sama, is this the head of the forging department, that young Great Blacksmith?"
"That's right."
"He's truly talented at such a young age."
Hozuki Kazuhiko smiled at Uehara Soma.
Uehara Soma simply responded without speaking.
"Mizukage-sama, I am very grateful that when this young Great Blacksmith crafted the new ninja tool, Mizukage-sama, you remembered our Hozuki Clan."
"In these years, life hasn't been easy for our Hozuki Clan."
"Since the passing of Gengetsu-sama, the situation of our Hozuki Clan has been worsening."
"Resources, industries, the younger generation of the family, none are doing well."
"Initially, for the sake of the Hidden Mist Village, Gengetsu-sama took charge and brought out the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords, giving them to the village's elite ninja, which contributed to the fame of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."
"It was of great help to the village."
"But now, the village has other Ninjato, other ninja tools."
"Meanwhile, the situation of our Hozuki Clan has worsened."
"Therefore, Mizukage-sama, we of the Hozuki Clan want to reclaim the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords for our clan."
"I believe the village can understand this."
"After all, the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords were advocated by Gengetsu-sama."
"And the Great Blacksmith who crafted the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords is also from our Hozuki Clan."
Hozuki Kazuhiko was assertive at the family meeting.
But when facing the Third Mizukage, he still showed a humble attitude.
First, he played the victim, then presented his reasons.
Uehara Soma had a sudden realization. Before, he speculated that it might be related to the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.
Now, it seems that this is indeed the case.
If the Hozuki Clan wants to use the fact that the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords belong to the Hozuki Clan as a reason to take back these seven Ninjato for the Hozuki Clan, it would indeed be difficult to accept the Pioggia ninja tool.
Not accepting Pioggia, in terms of reasons, the Hozuki Clan could barely stand.
Just as Hozuki Kazuhiko said.
But if the Hozuki Clan accepts Pioggia, then it's different, others will question.
"So, they're all from your Hozuki Clan?"
The Third Mizukage looked at Hozuki Kazuhiko, his eyes narrowed.
The atmosphere in the meeting room became somewhat tense for a moment.
Ao instinctively moved closer to where Uehara Soma was sitting.
In case of any disturbance, Ao could be the first to stand in front of Uehara Soma.
A chill ran down his spine. However, Hozuki Kazuhiko still showed no intention of backing down.
After a while.
"Very well!"
Hozuki Kazuhiko instinctively wanted to retort, but as the words were about to leave his mouth, he realized that the Third Mizukage was actually agreeing, not rejecting his proposal.
This caught Hozuki Kazuhiko off guard.
This was something Hozuki Kazuhiko hadn't anticipated.
Before coming, Hozuki Kazuhiko had imagined many possible scenarios in his mind.
Such as the Third Mizukage sternly rebuking him.
Or the Third Mizukage taking action against him.
Hozuki Kazuhiko had considered all of these, how to respond.
Hozuki Kazuhiko had prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Even if it meant sacrificing his own life, he would persist to the end.
For the sake of the Hozuki Clan, it was worth it.
But Hozuki Kazuhiko hadn't expected the Third Mizukage to directly agree.
Initially, the Third Mizukage was indeed very angry about Hozuki Kazuhiko's proposal.
Since when did the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords become the property of the Hozuki Clan?
Indeed, the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords were crafted during the tenure of the Second Mizukage.
But does that mean the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords belong to the Second Mizukage?
It's absurd.
As for Hozuki Kazuhiko's claim that the Great Blacksmith who crafted the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords belongs to the Hozuki Clan, it's even more absurd.
She was just a woman from the Hozuki Clan who married that Great Blacksmith.
Next door in Konoha, Uzumaki Mito also married Senju Hashirama.
It's not like all the territories conquered by Senju Hashirama belong to the Uzumaki Clan.
But after careful consideration, the Third Mizukage felt that the way the Hozuki Clan was operating...
Firstly, it didn't pose any harm to the overall strength of the village.
Currently, only Samehada among the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords is being used by Fuguki Suikazan.
The rest are unused.
And in the short term, there are no suitable users to be found.
So, letting the Hozuki Clan take them wouldn't affect the village's overall strength.
Whoever uses them, uses them.
But more importantly, the Third Mizukage thought of something.
When the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords are reclaimed by the Hozuki Clan, they can no longer be called the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.
They would only be called the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords.
The corresponding ninjas can only be called the Hozuki Seven.
In this case, the reputation of Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad will soon surpass that of the Hozuki Seven and the Hozuki Seven.
The number of Ninjato and ninja tools crafted by Uehara Soma will continue to increase.
When people mention the Hidden Mist Village, they will think of Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad first.
Just thinking about Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad will remind people of the Third Mizukage.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords will gradually be forgotten by everyone.
The only problem with this approach is that the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords in the hands of the Hozuki Clan may be wasted, and the ninja tools crafted by Uehara Soma may not achieve the same level of improvement for the Hidden Mist Village as the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords did before.
However, the Third Mizukage believes that this problem will not arise.
The Third Mizukage believes that the ninja tools crafted by Uehara Soma will surpass the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords.
Both in terms of quality and quantity.
Moreover, being used by the Hozuki Clan, they are still within the confines of the Hidden Mist Village.
If there were ninja clans behind the Third Mizukage, perhaps they would care about this.
But like Minato Namikaze, the Third Mizukage is also from a civilian ninja background.
Therefore, he wouldn't care about this.
The Third Mizukage felt his heart pounding, "thump, thump, thump."
After thinking about this, a surge of excitement erupted in the Third Mizukage's heart.
Originally, the Third Mizukage's expectation for himself was to not be inferior when compared vertically in this position with the previous Mizukages.
Horizontally, he could rank near the top among the current Kages. This would satisfy the Third Mizukage.
However, the request brought by Hozuki Kazuhiko made the Third Mizukage see that, in vertical comparison, his evaluation would exceed the expectations of the Second Mizukage. This made the Third Mizukage quite excited.
"Gengetsu Senpai, I'm sorry."
"In terms of personal strength, I will never be able to compare to you, Gengetsu Senpai, but in terms of contributions to the village, influence, I may surpass you, Gengetsu Senpai."
"Please don't blame me."
"If you must blame someone, blame these younger generations of your Hozuki Clan."
The Third Mizukage stopped pondering in his mind, organized his thoughts.
Then, looking at Hozuki Kazuhiko, he said.
"What you said makes some sense."
"Kazuhiko, if I remember correctly, your Hozuki Clan seems to have a scroll that can summon those seven Ninjato, right?"
Hozuki Kazuhiko nodded.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
"In that case, your Hozuki Clan can use that scroll to summon the Ninjato."
The Third Mizukage said, "However, I have a few requests."
"Mizukage-sama, please speak."
Hozuki Kazuhiko's attitude was very cooperative, as if afraid that the Third Mizukage would change his mind.
"First, since those seven Ninjato have been reclaimed by the Hozuki Clan, they cannot be called the Hidden Mist Seven Ninja Swords anymore. You can call them the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords or something else."
"The individuals using the Ninjato will be called the Hozuki Seven."
On this point, Hozuki Kazuhiko had no objections whatsoever; in fact, it was exactly what he wanted.
Such names could better indicate the ownership of the Ninjato.
"Secondly, the Ninjato and ninja tools in the Hidden Mist Village are limited in quantity. Since there have only been two Great Blacksmiths since the founding of the Hidden Mist Village, you Hozuki Clan should not touch other Ninjato ninja tools after taking those seven Ninjato."
On this point, Hozuki Kazuhiko also agreed.
Taking those seven Ninjato and other ninja tools may easily provoke anger in the Hidden Mist Village.
Hozuki Kazuhiko nodded.
"Mizukage-sama, there's no problem with these two points."
"That's good. As for the specific summoning time, you handle it yourself, Kazuhiko. There's nothing else for you here. You may leave now. If there are any issues with Fuguki, come find me."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama, thank you."
Excitedly, Hozuki Kazuhiko left.
"Click!"
The door closed.
The Third Mizukage looked at Uehara Soma.
"Soma, it's unfortunate that this happened. It seems that the Hozuki Clan is no longer interested in Pioggia. I'll have the ANBU ninja screen for other potential candidates in the next few days."
"Understood, Mizukage-sama."
Hozuki Kazuhiko was satisfied with this outcome.
The Third Mizukage also seemed pleased with the result.
The only one who might be dissatisfied is likely Uehara Soma.
A potential candidate who could have matched with Pioggia just slipped away like that.
Moreover, it's unlikely that the subsequent ninja tools will enter into contracts with the Hozuki Clan.
Two promising targets will remain out of reach for Uehara Soma's ninja tools.
This leaves Uehara Soma feeling somewhat regretful.
But Uehara Soma couldn't possibly lower himself and beg to give the ninja tools to the Hozuki Clan.
Uehara Soma would rather not have the talents of Hozuki Suigetsu and Hozuki Mangetsu than do such a thing.
Isn't it just a Water Release talent?
If necessary, he could learn the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu, bring back Senju Tobirama through Impure World Reincarnation, form a contract with him for the ninja tools, gain Senju Tobirama's talent, and then re-bury Senju Tobirama back into the ground.
"Hozuki Clan, you will regret this!"
What Hozuki Clan is comparing now is just the ordinary blueprint ninja tools of Uehara Soma.
In fact, they are already superior
to the Mist Village, no, now it's the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords.
In the future, the high-level blueprint ninja tools of Uehara Soma will be much stronger than the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords.
Even if Hozuki Clan has seven Ninjato, so what?
Do they really think they can keep going just by relying on these seven Ninjato?
When stronger ninja tools appear in the future, Hozuki Clan will only be able to use the Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords at that time. Will the situation really be better compared to other ninjas using Uehara Soma's ninja tools for combat?
Uehara Soma doesn't think so.
Of course, from the current perspective of Hozuki Clan, this is not wrong.
Uehara Soma understands.
But understanding does not mean that Uehara Soma will have a favorable impression of the Hozuki Clan.
"From today on, Hozuki Clan and my ninja tools are no longer on the same path."
"In the future, it will be Zanpakuto versus Hozuki Seven Ninja Swords."
"Shinigami Squad versus Hozuki Seven Members."
"It's a competitive relationship."
Returning to Forging Island.
Over the next few days, Third Mizukage arranged many ninjas, but none met Uehara Soma's requirements.
Most didn't even meet the eligible criteria.
Only one ninja triggered the eligible alert for Uehara Soma.
However, this ninja lacked sufficient talent, so Uehara Soma didn't consider guiding them into a contract.
Two days later.
A letter was delivered to Forging Island.
The sender was Biwa Juzo.
"Soma, I have brought Kakuzo"
Aside from this message, there was an address.
In the Land of Water.
But it was still a distance away from the Hidden Mist Village.
This should be Kakuzu's request.
Kakuzu fears being too close to the Hidden Mist Village.
After informing Third Mizukage, Uehara Soma set off.
This time, Ao did not accompany him.
Third Mizukage arranged for two teams of ANBU ninjas to provide protection.
At the same time, Biwa Juzo also headed towards the direction of the Hidden Mist Village for support.
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