Third Mizukage, upon receiving the news, was delighted. The mood, soured by the failure of the Three Tails plan, had significantly improved.
The inexplicable sense of emptiness also received some relief.
Soon, the ANBU ninjas compiled a list.
At the top was the name of Fuguki Suikazan.
Among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist who survived, Third Mizukage valued Fuguki Suikazan the most.
In terms of strength, he was stronger than Juzo during the Executioner's Blade period.
In terms of mentality, he was much stronger than Juzo and Kurosuki Raiga.
Defeated by Konoha genin, Fuguki Suikazan did not falter.
Even after losing Samehada, he did not falter compared to Kurosuki Raiga who the Third Mizukage found disappointing.
The remaining few were also outstanding in Water Release talent.
However, none of them were members of the Hozuki Clan, known for their superior Water Release talent in the Hidden Mist Village.
Before long, the members on the list arrived at Forging Island.
Soma arranged a house near the pier, specifically for accommodating ninjas who would come later to attempt Zanpakuto contracts.
Next to it stood a stone tablet.
Several words were carved on the stone tablet.
"The Contract House!"
The name was simple and easy to understand.
Juzo and Ao stood on either side of Soma. In front of them was a long table.
On the left was a wall, and on the right was a foldable screen.
Pushing aside the screen revealed the sea.
Abilities could be used against the sea surface to test their effects.
This prevented the house from being damaged during testing.
Then, Juzo walked towards the door. He pushed it open and stepped out.
Several figures outside immediately turned their gaze towards him.
Upon seeing Juzo, a hint of envy appeared in their eyes.
Then their gaze fell to Juzo's waist, where the Blue Rose Sword hung.
Juzo looked around.
The few ninjas who came were all outstanding figures in the Hidden Mist Village.
Among them, Fuguki Suikazan had been acquainted with Juzo for many years.
But to be honest, the relationship between them could only be described as ordinary.
Their personalities didn't quite match.
Compared to Fuguki Suikazan, Juzo preferred to interact with Kurosuki Raiga.
However, they were still acquaintances, so they nodded to each other in acknowledgment.
"Next, the person whose name I call will enter one by one."
"The rest will wait patiently outside."
"The first one, Fuguki Suikazan!"
Fuguki Suikazan stood up, his huge figure pushing aside two ninjas near the door.
One of the Hidden Mist ninjas looked at Fuguki Suikazan's back with a displeased expression.
"You got defeated by Konoha Genin first, then even Samehada was taken by the Hozuki Clan. What's there to be proud of?"
Once inside, Fuguki Suikazan's demeanor immediately changed drastically.
Without the same arrogance when facing others.
Instead, he appeared much more modest.
"Chief Uehara."
"Fuguki Senpai."
Soma didn't say much, going straight to the point.
"Last time, Fuguki Senpai already attempted, so this time, I won't explain much."
With that said, Soma took out the Water Dragon Possession and placed it on the table, pushing it forward.
"This Ninjato is called Water Dragon Possession."
Fuguki Suikazan picked up the hilt of the small long sword.
A voice resonated in Soma's mind.
[Detected a candidate compatible with Water Dragon Possession. (Liver Approval: Upper Mid, Attribute Compatibility: Upper Mid) Overall Compatibility: Good. Would you like to proceed with the contract?]
Soma's brow twitched slightly.
"Proceed!"
[Water Dragon Possession contract successful.]
[Compatibility, Good.]
[The abilities of Water Dragon Possession have been amplified to a certain degree.]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Good-level Water Release talent.]
[Detection of the host already possessing a Perfect-level Water Release talent, beginning talent synthesis.]
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining an Ultimate-level Water Release talent.]
"After Perfect comes Ultimate..."
"I wonder what this Ultimate-level talent will be like and what changes it will bring me."
"But the gap between Ultimate and Perfect should be even greater than that between Perfect and Good."
Soma began to anticipate eagerly.
Across from him,
Fuguki Suikazan infused Chakra into the small long sword.
As the Chakra entered the Water Dragon Possession within the hilt, the contract that Soma guided was completed. Fuguki Suikazan suddenly felt a sense of closeness, as feedback came from the Water Dragon Possession.
Fuguki Suikazan lowered his head, looking at the Water Dragon Possession, his eyes slightly widening.
"It's somewhat similar to Samehada, giving off a sense of life."
"But there are also differences."
"Samehada seems like a living entity with characteristics of a Ninjato."
"While Water Dragon Possession appears to be a Ninjato with a life of its own."
Fuguki Suikazan lifted his head, looking at Soma.
"Chief Uehara, it seems like Water Dragon Possession has acknowledged me. I feel a completely different sensation from last time."
Soma nodded, pointing towards the sea beyond the screen that had been pushed aside.
"Fuguki Senpai, give it a try."
"Alright."
Fuguki Suikazan looked at the sea surface.
Then, he raised the Water Dragon Possession.
with no use for hand seals. A surge of water rushed straight up.
Continuously changing shape under Fuguki Suikazan's control.
Fuguki Suikazan's eyes lit up, shining brightly.
"No need for hand seals, and it can use abilities similar to Water Release?"
"This is really, too powerful."
"Using it in combination with Water Release can make the opponent powerless."
"The consumption of Chakra is not much. And, this sword is also very sharp and tough. Much stronger than the Ninjatos from the Land of Iron, no, much stronger than the Ninjato from the old Forging Island."
In an instant, Fuguki Suikazan imagined multiple ways of using Water Dragon Possession in battle.
"Maybe Mizukage-sama was right. Losing Samehada might not be a bad thing for me."
"Water Dragon Possession might be more suitable for me than Samehada."
Fuguki Suikazan couldn't wait to go to the battlefield.
Facing Konoha Ninja. No, it was fighting in front of Hozuki Clan ninjas using Water Dragon Possession.
"You guys snatched my Samehada but now I have a better Ninjato than Samehada. And you, haven't even found someone suitable to use Samehada."
In fact, Samehada is not weak.
It's just that the compatibility between Samehada and Fuguki Suikazan is not that high.
Samehada and Fuguki Suikazan together are only at the level of elite Jonin.
And among elite Jonin, they can't be considered strong.
But in the hands of Hoshigaki Kisame, it's completely different.
The combined strength of the two is quite astonishing.
Even Guy only managed to defeat Hoshigaki Kisame by using the Eight Inner Gates up to the Seventh Gate.
You should know that Guy's Seventh Gate state is enough to hold his own against Uchiha Madara.
And the Eighth Gate state is even capable of kicking Madara's ribs.
Compared to Duy, Guy's Eight Inner Gates have reached a higher level.
Zanpakuto has a formal contracting process.
Soma can guide the contract only when the degree of fit is reached.
The Seven Ninja Swords do not have such a requirement.
But in fact, there is also a question of compatibility.
You can use it without compatibility.
But with high compatibility, it can perform better.
This is particularly evident with Samehada.
After all, Samehada is the only one among the Seven Ninja Swords that has self-awareness.
"Fuguki Senpai, it seems that Water Dragon Possession indeed recognizes you."
"Chief Uehara, thank you."
Soma chuckled.
"Fuguki Senpai, I hope you can develop the abilities of Water Dragon Possession well, defeat more enemies for the Hidden Mist Village, protect the village, and allow Water Dragon Possession to perform well."
"Chief Uehara, please rest assured, I will definitely not disappoint with Water Dragon Possession."
Fuguki Suikazan tightly gripped the hilt of the sword.
In his heart, Fuguki Suikazan said to himself:
'I must prove to those damn Hozuki Clan members that Water Dragon Possession is stronger than Samehada!'
Fuguki Suikazan wasn't particularly fond of close combat with opponents.
Before obtaining Samehada, Fuguki Suikazan had two main methods of fighting.
One was Water Release.
The other was transforming his hair into Senbon.
The former was mostly long-range.
The latter appears to be a close to medium-range attack, but in Fuguki Suikazan's eyes, this cannot be considered an active attacking style, but rather a defensive counterattack technique.
It's not about actively approaching the enemy to use it.
Instead, it's about using it when the enemy tries to approach.
This way, it will have a better effect.
Unlike Kisame.
In addition to Water Release, Kisame is also proficient in close-quarters Taijutsu.
But more importantly, Kisame is extremely skilled in the Chakra Absorption Technique. When combined with Samehada's Chakra absorption ability, there is a cumulative effect.
This is an advantage that Fuguki Suikazan doesn't have.
For Fuguki Suikazan, Samehada's presence only adds a Chakra absorption ability, but it makes his fighting style uncomfortable.
Now, with Water Dragon Possession, Fuguki Suikazan is clearly much more satisfied.
It strengthens his Water Release ability. Being able to coordinate with his Hair Needle Senbon ability to become a long range menace.
"Fuguki, congratulations."
Juzo offered his congratulations.
Fuguki Suikazan looked at Juzo and smiled.
"In the future, we'll both be members of the Shinigami Squad."
Soma added.
"Fuguki Senpai, the Water Dragon Possession can enhance the ability to control liquids, that's one thing, and also, if you control your own blood, you'll get better results."
"However, the handle of the Water Dragon Possession is relatively weak, so you need to be careful."
Fuguki Suikazan nodded.
"Okay, I'll be careful, thank you."
Controlling one's own blood for attacks can provide additional reinforcement?
This surprised Fuguki Suikazan a bit.
Initially, Fuguki Suikazan was already very satisfied with the Water Dragon Possession.
The word "blood" may sound uncomfortable, but as a seasoned ninja, Fuguki Suikazan is well aware that getting injured is unavoidable for a ninja.
Once injured, there will be blood.
Instead of letting the blood drip onto the ground, isn't it better to control the blood and turn it into a weapon?
It's not like he intentionally made himself bleed just to use this ability.
Instead, after bleeding, he can utilize this ability.
Juzo and Fuguki Suikazan stepped out.
The gaze of the ninjas outside immediately turned towards them.
Juzo looked around and said, "The new Zanpakuto has contracted with Fuguki Suikazan. You can all go back now."
One ninja hesitated for a moment, then complained, "We come all the way here, and we're not even given a chance to try..."
Before they could finish, they were interrupted by their companion pulling them aside.
Juzo glanced lightly at the complaining ninja.
"You need to understand one thing: it's not that Zanpakuto needs you."
"It's that you need Zanpakuto."
"Don't get it twisted."
"That's the rule of the Contracting House."
"If you're not satisfied, you're welcome to never come again."
The ninja who was just resentful a moment ago turned pale when he heard Juzo's words.
In the Hidden Mist Village, knowledge about Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad was no longer something only a few knew.
Bloodthirsty Shark Hoshigaki Kisame, wielding the Unhealable Blade Kiriichimonji, surpassed Konoha's genius ninja, Hatake Kakashi.
Biwa Juzo, wielding the Ice Blade Blue Rose Sword, severely injured the Sand hero, Pakura.
The Clan-destroying Kaguya Neko, wielding the Dragon-Bone, almost wiped out the Kaguya Clan overnight.
Among these, Kaguya Neko is the negative example.
However, it also illustrates the power of Zanpakuto.
As ninjas, most are thirsty for power.
Moreover, under the influence of the Bloody Mist Policy, the ninjas of the Hidden Mist Village naturally possess a strong sense of competition, and competition relies on strength.
No ninja from the Hidden Mist Village would not want to further enhance their own abilities. In the current situation, Zanpakuto is a shortcut, a path that can break through one's talent limit.
Moreover, with the Seven Ninja Swords already monopolized by the Hozuki Clan, every ninja hopes to gain recognition from a Zanpakuto, hoping to become a member of the Shinigami Squad.
Fuguki Suikazan also looked at this ninja. "Water Dragon Possession chose me, so I cannot let it down. And if you are not satisfied with this result... I am not entitled to decide the ownership of Water Dragon Possession, but if you have the guts, challenge me to a fight!"
"How is it?" The moment Fuguki Suikazan contracted with Water Dragon Possession, he completely bid farewell to the past. No longer a member of the Seven Ninja Swords. Instead, he became one of the Shinigami Squad members.
Immediately, he felt a strong sense of identification with this new identity. Even if Juzo wasn't present, Fuguki Suikazan would never allow anyone to question Forging Island. Under Fuguki Suikazan's stern gaze, the ninja lowered his head, daring not to say another word. The ninjas who came to try left one after another. Juzo escorted Fuguki Suikazan to the pier. "By the way, Juzo, before coming, Mizukage-sama asked me to bring you a message."
"What message?"
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