"What?"
Hozuki Kazuhiko rubbed his eyes, looked again, and this time, he didn't see anything.
The fluttering feeling just now was gone.
"Illusion perhaps."
Hozuki Kazuhiko withdrew his gaze.
"Maybe I've been too tired lately. After all, this is not a simple matter. If only Gengetsu-sama had kept the Seven Ninja Swords in the Hozuki Clan back then.
Perhaps even Gengetsu-sama didn't expect to perish along with Konoha and the Second Tsuchikage. Otherwise, the Hozuki Clan wouldn't have declined. Now, the position of Mizukage still belongs to my Hozuki Clan. But fortunately, the task has been completed. Next, the revival of our Hozuki Clan begins."
It wasn't just Hozuki Kazuhiko who felt it.
Within the Hidden Mist Village, many people who happened to glance over also felt that fluttering sensation in their hearts.
But it was fleeting. Like Hozuki Kazuhiko, they thought it was an illusion.
...
Forging Island.
Soma stepped out.
Juzo and Ao immediately looked over.
"It's done."
Soma took a deep breath and said, "Ao-senpai, you can give it a try."
"Inside?"
"Yes."
Soma led Ao and Juzo inside.
A huge double-bladed axe came into Ao's view.
Most of the axe's body was pure black.
The blade sparkled with a cold light.
Just by looking at it, one could feel the sharpness of the blade.
A golden chain wrapped around the axe, extending from the handle, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise heavy axe.
At the end of the handle, there were some special patterns hammered out.
"So big!"
Ao instinctively remarked.
Indeed, compared to all the ninja tools Soma has previously forged, the Skeleton Emperor is much larger.
At first glance, it gives a sense of heaviness.
Someone with average strength definitely couldn't lift it.
Even for a ninja, who typically has much greater strength than an ordinary person, it wouldn't be easy to swing such an axe effortlessly.
In that case, not only would it fail to increase strength, but it would also become a burden.
Ao stepped forward.
Soma appraised his creation.
[Congratulations, Host, on completing the forging.]
[Skeleton Emperor forging successful.]
[Completion level: Good.]
[Congratulations, Host, on gaining Swordsmanship experience x1000.]
In Soma's mind, he recalled the information about the Skeleton Emperor.
[Skeleton Emperor.]
[Type: Double-bladed axe.]
[Quality: Good.]
[Abilities: Blade Return - Decay, Skeleton Emperor! Can evoke the power of decay, effective against both living and non-living entities, power intensity varies based on the user.]
[Note: According to Blacksmith's Third Rule, this Ninjato's power cannot harm the forger.]
Ao gripped the handle of the Skeleton Emperor.
"Hah!"
With one hand, he lifted the Skeleton Emperor.
Then infused it with chakra.
But nothing happened.
There were no related sounds in Soma's mind either.
This meant that the Skeleton Emperor and Ao's compatibility hadn't even reached "Eligible."
"Soma, it looks like this Ninjato doesn't recognize me either."
Ao let go of the Skeleton Emperor.
"Ao-senpai..."
"It's alright."
Ao smiled and said, "I'm not in a hurry. For a while, I can't even go to the battlefield, and Konoha probably despises me so much, they might send the Sannin or the Golden Flash directly as soon as I set foot on the battlefield."
"Soma, you let me try out two consecutive ninja tools you've forged, conditions like this, others don't have."
"However, Soma, I'm curious, what ability does this Ninjato, no, axe, have?"
Soma had no intention of hiding.
"This Zanpakuto, named Skeleton Emperor, besides its toughness and heavy weight, also possesses the power of decay, which can affect everything."
"Decay?"
Ao and Juzo exchanged glances.
"Soma, is it the same decay we're familiar with?"
Soma nodded.
Immediately, there were two sounds of sharp intakes of breath.
"It can achieve such a miraculous effect? If you were to fight someone wielding this Ninjato, wouldn't they age from Ao's age to an old man after just one battle?"
"It's possible." Soma said.
It depends on the strength of the user.
If the user's strength can reach Baraggan's level, then one swing of the axe wouldn't just age them, it would turn them directly into old bones.
No, it's even bone scraps. But if the user's strength is lacking, then the effect will be much weaker.
Ao's assessment isn't entirely impossible.
However, Soma feels that if Third Mizukage were the one attuned to the Skeleton Emperor, the outcome wouldn't be too bad.
After all, Third Mizukage is also a Kage.
Juzo, as an elite Jonin, has already demonstrated remarkable proficiency with the Blue Rose Sword's abilities.
He has developed his own Ice Release system.
"This is too terrifying. Aging during battle means your lifespan is being shortened."
"Even though battles inevitably involve injuries, bloodshed, and death, experiencing aging like this would be even more terrifying than those."
Both Ao and Juzo are shocked by the abilities of the Skeleton Emperor.
Primarily because they've never witnessed such abilities before, nor have they even heard of them.
Kiriichimonji's Unhealable, certain toxins can achieve a similar effect, but the effect is not as potent.
The Blue Rose Sword corresponds to Ice Release.
Nikkari Ao's abilities, certain toxins can achieve them as well, it's just a difference in effectiveness.
Pioggia's abilities are somewhat similar to certain Secret Jutsu in the ninja world.
Not to mention, Jinchuriki and Tailed Beasts can also be considered similar states.
Only the aging ability of the Skeleton Emperor.
For a while, Soma hadn't thought that there could be abilities similar to the Skeleton Emperor's in this world.
In terms of aging abilities, the only thing Soma can think of is Tsunade's anti-aging technique.
By using the Yin Seal, she keeps her body young.
Both of them provided Soma with some reputation.
Soma clearly saw that after explaining the Skeleton Emperor's abilities to them, the number in the reputation column on the semi-transparent panel increased significantly.
"Soma, let's go to the Mizukage's Building together." Juzo said.
"Alright."
Juzo strapped the Blue Rose Sword to his waist, then, with one hand, he gripped the handle of the Skeleton Emperor.
He glanced to the side, picked up a piece of cloth, and wrapped the Skeleton Emperor in it.
Similar to the state of Samehada being wrapped in bandages.
Soon, the two of them arrived at the Mizukage's Building.
"Mizukage-sama."
This time Third Mizukage shouldn't be busy, after the guard ninja below reported, he immediately returned downstairs, indicating that Soma and Juzo could go up.
"Soma, Juzo."
Third Mizukage smiled.
His gaze was drawn to something resting on Juzo's shoulder.
Because the strength of a Kage was definitely not weak.
Coupled with the Hidden Mist Village's special Ninjato culture.
Therefore, Juzo, carrying ninja tools, could also enter the Mizukage's Building without being stopped.
"What's this?"
Third Mizukage thought of a possibility.
"Could it be a new Zanpakuto crafted by you, Soma?"
Soma nodded.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
Third Mizukage's face brightened.
Juzo then uncovered the black cloth wrapped around the Skeleton Emperor.
"An axe?"
Third Mizukage examined the Skeleton Emperor.
"It looks heavy and sturdy, somewhat resembling the Bluntsword among the Seven Ninja Swords. Soma, does this Zanpakuto have any special abilities?"
Soma explained,
"Indeed, Mizukage-sama. This Zanpakuto, named Skeleton Emperor, possesses the power of decay."
Similar to Juzo and Ao, Third Mizukage was also surprised by the abilities of the Skeleton Emperor.
"Can one really possess such miraculous power? Soma, in your opinion, which type of ninja would this Zanpakuto be most compatible with? I'll have the ANBU Ninja arrange it immediately."
"In terms of attributes, I'm not sure, but I believe the Skeleton Emperor would enjoy a sense of superiority."
"Superiority?"
Third Mizukage raised an eyebrow.
In the Village, besides himself, who else could claim to be superior?
Within the village, the highest position is the Mizukage.
Third Mizukage earnestly observed Juzo carrying the Skeleton Emperor on his shoulder, a voice echoing in his mind.
"If what Soma says is true, there's no one in the entire Hidden Mist Village more suitable for this Ninjato than me."
"A Ninjato exclusively for me."
"If it enjoys a sense of superiority, then undoubtedly, the abilities of this Ninjato won't be weak."
In Third Mizukage's heart, another ambition arose involuntarily.
Previously, Third Mizukage aimed to surpass Second Mizukage in achievements with the help of the Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad, securing himself the second position among the Mizukage.
In terms of strength, Third Mizukage had no confidence when facing the First and Second Mizukage.
However, the situation had changed now.
Third Mizukage was familiar with Soma's ninja tools.
Juzo's strength had greatly increased with the Blue Rose Sword.
And with Kaguya Neko's Dragon-Bone, in close combat, there were hardly any opponents of equal strength who could defeat Kaguya Neko; even those slightly stronger couldn't.
Previously, Third Mizukage didn't have high hopes because he failed to gain recognition from the ninja tools after several attempts.
But now, the Skeleton Emperor had appeared.
"Juzo, hand me the Skeleton Emperor."
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
Juzo handed over the Skeleton Emperor.
Third Mizukage caught it.
Immediately, a voice sounded in Soma's mind.
[A contractee suitable for the Skeleton Emperor has appeared. (Baraggan approval: Upper Mid, attribute compatibility: Mid) Overall compatibility: Good. Shall we proceed with the contract?]
"Proceed!"
Soma didn't hesitate.
One upper mid, one mid—when combined, it basically fell right into the "Good" range.
If one aspect was slightly off, it would have fallen to "Eligible."
But since it was "Good," Soma had no reason not to proceed with the contract.
Considering the situation with the Skeleton Emperor, Soma couldn't think of anyone in the Hidden Mist Village who could achieve an Excellent or higher compatibility with the Skeleton Emperor.
Having a "Good" compatibility was satisfying enough for Soma.
Third Mizukage infused his chakra into the Skeleton Emperor.
The next moment, there was a slight change in the Skeleton Emperor.
But the change wasn't very noticeable.
Third Mizukage brought the Skeleton Emperor closer to a nearby decorative plant.
The leaves slowly started to wither.
Third Mizukage's eyes lit up.
"It's really happening."
As Soma guided, at the moment the contract was completed, Third Mizukage suddenly felt a strong sense of familiarity emanating from the Skeleton Emperor. Even the handle of the axe warmed up.
"Does this mean I have gained the recognition of the Skeleton Emperor?"
Third Mizukage glanced down at the axe in his hand, then back at the greenery.
"The aging process is somewhat slow."
"But this ability is extremely unique."
"Right now, it's probably because I haven't mastered it to a skilled level yet. Once I'm skilled, I'm sure I can better utilize the abilities of the Skeleton Emperor, just like Juzo."
[Skeleton Emperor contract successful.]
[Compatibility, Good.]
[The abilities of the Skeleton Emperor have been amplified to a certain extent.]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining Water Release talent at the Good level.]
[The host has been detected to possess Water Release talent at the Perfect level, initiating talent synthesis.]
[The host's Water Release talent has been enhanced, but it has not yet reached the next level. To breakthrough, another Water Release talent at the Good level is needed.]
Third Mizukage retracted his chakra.
"Soma, I feel a similar sensation to Juzo and the others."
"Mizukage-sama, it seems the Skeleton Emperor has acknowledged you."
Juzo congratulated Third Mizukage.
"Mizukage-sama, congratulations."
Third Mizukage looked at Soma and smiled.
"Soma, thank you. I'm very satisfied with this Zanpakuto, and I'll use it well, preserving its reputation."
Third Mizukage paused before speaking.
"Oh, by the way, Soma, is there anything else you need on Forging Island?"
Soma replied, "Regarding that, Mizukage-sama, besides the Zanpakuto I forge, we've also expanded our services to include crafting surgical knives."
"The feedback from the medical department has been quite positive."
"However, at the moment, besides me, Forging Island only has one other blacksmith."
"It's becoming overwhelming."
"I was hoping Mizukage-sama could provide me with a list of the previous blacksmiths on Forging Island, along with some information about their personalities and performance. I intend to recruit more blacksmiths."
Third Mizukage nodded.
"No problem at all. I'll have the ANBU Ninja take care of it. Once the information is gathered, it will be sent directly to Forging Island."
"Thank you, Mizukage-sama."
"You're welcome."
After Soma and Juzo left, Third Mizukage glanced at the Skeleton Emperor beside him, a thought crossing his mind.
The next moment, he vanished from sight.
Shortly after, Third Mizukage's figure appeared above the open sea.
"Let me test it out. Under my full power, how strong will the abilities of this Skeleton Emperor be?"
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