"Soma, should I go to Mizukage's Building now?" Ao proposed.
Soma nodded.
"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Ao-senpai," he said.
Ao turned and left.
Soma held Lighting Blade in his hand and infused it with Chakra.
Boom!
A bolt of lightning shot forward.
Ameyuri looked over curiously.
"Ameyuri, where's Kaguya Izumi?"
"Izumi-senpai will come over in a while. She has other things to attend to right now."
For members of the Forging Department's security team, their main task was to guard Forging Island. Besides daily patrols, they also manned fixed posts resembling watchtowers.
There were a dozen or so people in total, which was sufficient for the current situation on Forging Island, where things weren't too complicated.
In addition to her regular duties, Kaguya Izumi had taken on the responsibility of guiding Ameyuri's training at the request of Juzo.
Ao was aware of this adjustment specifically made to Izumi's duties.
"Among the members of the Forging Island security team, her strength is quite decent, so I plan to let her try the Lighting Blade," Soma said as he handed the Lighting Blade to Ameyuri.
"Ameyuri, hold onto this for me," he requested.
In reality, Soma was just looking for a topic of conversation. His true intention was to see how well Ameyuri and the Lighting Blade would synergize. However, he didn't want to immediately decide to contract the Lighting Blade to Ameyuri.
Ameyuri took it without suspicion.
A voice sounded in Soma's mind.
[Detected a potential contractor compatible with the Lighting Blade (Attribute compatibility: High) Comprehensive compatibility: Excellent. Proceed with guiding the contract?]
Soma furrowed his brow slightly.
"Because there's no mission commissioner directly, it's just a extermination mission, so in terms of compatibility, there's no approval needed for this aspect."
"Similar to my speculation, relying solely on attributes to determine comprehensive compatibility."
Soma glanced at Ameyuri.
"The high attribute compatibility between Ameyuri and the Lightning Blade proves that her talent in Lightning Release is at least at an Excellent level or above."
"It's not an exaggeration to call her a Lightning Release genius."
Soma remembered how effortless it became for him to learn Water Release when his talent reached the Excellent level.
Based on previous experiences guiding contracts, Soma had formed a rough judgment regarding these so-called Ninjutsu talents.
A talent at the Good level could reach up to Jonin rank.
An Excellent level talent could potentially reach Elite Jonin.
"In that case, if Ameyuri continues to delve into Lightning Release, becoming an Elite Jonin shouldn't be difficult."
"As for Hozuki Mangetsu, his talent in Water Release is probably even above the Excellent level."
Last time, when Pioggia was held by Hozuki Mangetsu, the system prompt indicated extremely high attribute compatibility.
Before long, Izumi arrived.
Ameyuri cheerfully introduced Lighting Blade to Izumi.
Izumi was momentarily stunned.
"Chief-sama, can I really try it?" she asked.
Soma nodded.
"Yes, as a member of my forging department, you should have the priority to try it. However, if your talent in Lightning Release isn't sufficient, it will be difficult for Lighting Blade to recognize you."
"Ameyuri, hand Lighting Blade over to Izumi."
Izumi took it, her eyes showing a hint of excitement.
For the current Hidden Mist Village, everyone already knew about the existence of Zanpakuto. Orochimaru's defeat had given everyone a clearer understanding of Zanpakuto and the Shinigami Squad.
Hidden Mist ninjas, everyone desires to become a member of the Shinigami Squad, and everyone wants to possess a Zanpakuto.
Izumi is no exception.
Moreover, Izumi's anticipation for a Zanpakuto surpasses that of other Hidden Mist ninjas.
This is because Kaguya Neko wielded Dragon-Bone, nearly wiping out the Kaguya Clan.
Neko holds a very special significance for Izumi...
Izumi condensed Chakra in her hand.
In the next moment, lightning flickered on the Lighting Blade.
"Boom!"
Izumi looked at the destroyed target, revealing a surprised expression.
"So powerful!"
Soma showed a regretful expression.
"Unfortunately."
Izumi immediately understood Soma's meaning and quickly handed Lighting Blade back to Ameyuri.
"Chief-sama, thank you."
...
On the other side...
Ao has arrived at the Mizukage's Building.
After finishing the documents in his hands, the Third Mizukage gestured for Ao to enter.
"Mizukage-sama."
"Ao, what is it?"
"Regarding the materials obtained last time, Soma has already forged a ninja tool out of them."
"So soon?"
The Third Mizukage smiled.
"What kind of ninja tool?"
"It's called the Lighting Blade, a Zanpakuto with lightning attributes."
Ao hesitated for a moment and said, "Mizukage-sama, I believe this Ninjato might be recognized by Raiga."
"Raiga?"
The Third Mizukage furrowed his brows slightly.
He couldn't help but recall the last time he visited Raiga's home and his performance.
On that occasion, because the Third Mizukage indeed owed the Kaguya Clan a promise, he had to choose a sword to give to them from between Thunder Swords and Samehada.
At that time, Samehada was in Fuguki Suikazan's hands while Thunder Swords were in Kurosuki Raiga's hands.
Both were survivors under Might Duy, but their conditions were different.
Therefore, the Third Mizukage chose to give the Thunder Swords from the deteriorated state of Kurosuki Raiga to the Kaguya Clan.
Now, a long time has passed, and the situation in the Hidden Mist Village has changed significantly.
The Kaguya Clan has undergone substantial transformations.
Meanwhile, the Thunder Swords have fallen into the hands of the Hozuki Clan.
The Third Mizukage doesn't feel guilty towards Raiga for his past actions. It's just disappointment over Raiga's current deteriorated state.
"Raiga's situation is probably not optimistic."
"If he is still in such a deteriorated state now, I don't think he deserves a Zanpakuto."
"But..."
Third Mizukage reminisced about past relationships.
Moreover, both Juzo and Fuguki underwent transformations after obtaining Zanpakuto.
"Ao, you can go and take a look."
"If Raiga can recover to normal, letting him try is not out of the question."
Ao hesitated for a moment.
"Yes, Mizukage-sama."
However, after leaving Mizukage's Building, Ao did not immediately go to find Raiga. Instead, he planned to return to Forging Island first to inform Soma of the situation.
A sound of pounding reached Ao's ears.
Instinctively, he looked over.
He saw that on the plaza of the central island, a monument had been erected.
At the bottom was stone.
On top was half of what looked like the tail of a giant serpent-like creature.
"Could it be Manda's tail?"
...
Back at Forging Island.
Ao briefed Soma on Raiga's current situation.
"Mizukage-sama said Raiga-senpai is in a bad state?"
"Yes, he's drinking heavily, staying up late, and overeating. He doesn't seem like a ninja anymore."
Soma understood that Raiga's condition must be quite severe now.
But he didn't expect it to be this bad.
Among the original seven survivors of the Mist, Soma considered Raiga to be the worst off.
After losing his way in Hidden Mist Village, Juzo joined the Akatsuki Organization.
He died protecting his comrades from a Tailed Beast Bomb.
Fuguki died at the hands of Kisame because he betrayed the village.
However, now Soma feels that there are doubts about that incident.
One thing is that Yagura was already under the control of Uchiha Obito at that time, a Kage that could easily manipulate the situation to frame an underling ninja.
Another point is Liver's approval rating of Fuguki, which reached a medium to high level.
Liver, in the world of "Akame Ga Kill," was falsely imprisoned.
So, what about Fuguki?
Could he also have been falsely framed?
Considering Obito's situation, it's very possible he could do such a thing.
It not only would retaliate against Hidden Mist Village but also lure Kisame into joining the Akatsuki Organization.
It would be killing two birds with one stone.
Regardless of whether Fuguki was falsely imprisoned or not, in Soma's view, he was still active.
Except for Raiga.
During his defection, he took away a Ranmaru, then found a mine and ruled there.
But he still seemed erratic.
It's as if he never recovered from being defeated by Might Duy.
Later on, he was even hunted down by a Genin like Naruto.
No matter the mindset, the momentum, or the strength, they all do not match the status of an elite Jonin.
"By the way, Soma, the village brought back that piece of Manda's tail cut off by Fuguki, erected it in the square, and made it into a monument. Many people are looking at it"
Soma raised an eyebrow. "It seems Mizukage-sama intends to use this matter to spread greater influence,"
Ao nodded. "Defeating Orochimaru is indeed a morale booster for us in Hidden Mist Village," Ao continued. "The mention of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's previous disastrous defeat has decreased significantly now. Even if people from other ninja villages mention it, we can counter with Orochimaru's defeat."
"It's as if Hidden Mist Village has truly risen again."
Monuments, sculptures...
To Soma, these things are what can significantly boost morale and cohesion.
At first glance, it may not seem to have much practical significance. However, its influence is actually considerable.
Take Konoha for example. The presence of the Hokage Rock may not matter much to adult ninja, but for academy students and young ninja, it holds great significance. Many young ninja in Konoha aspire to become Hokage in the future, and the Hokage Rock plays a significant role in their ambitions.
But Manda's tail made Soma think of something else. Currently, many of the ninja tools created by Soma have unique abilities. A large part of them contain biological materials—like the Shonisaurus in Pioggia, the skeletal bones of the Skeleton Emperor, the demonic core in the Lightning Blade, and the biological organs in Water Dragon Possession.
This has given Soma some inspiration. Since the materials provided by the system can create extraordinary ninja tools, could he also create extraordinary ninja tools by obtaining similar materials in this world?
"Being a creature of Ryuchi Cave, Manda is very powerful. Apart from its formidable body, it also possesses Senjutsu Chakra. Such a creature, placed in the world of Akame Ga Kill, would undoubtedly be considered a dangerous beast."
A mere tail, Soma isn't very interested in it. However, if he could obtain a complete Manda corpse and study it seriously, he believes he could create a decent ninja tool.
"Many creatures from the Three Sacred Lands of Summoning Beasts can be considered dangerous beasts. But the time is not yet right to use them as materials for crafting ninja tools."
Soma is well aware that on the surface, the Three Sacred Lands of Summoning Beasts do not seem to have any connection. Even the relationships between creatures like Bunta, Manda, and Katsuyu have worsened due to changes in relationships among people like Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya.
However, he finds it hard to believe that the Three Sacred Lands of Summoning Beasts would simultaneously select three ninja from Konoha without any discussion. Even if there was no explicit discussion, there must have been an implicit agreement.
Otherwise, why would they all choose ninja from Konoha? Are there no ninjas left from other villages besides Konoha? Besides, humans are humans, and summon beasts are summon beasts. If Soma were to make a move against one summon beast, the others would also fear Soma.
"But there will definitely be opportunities in the future."
"Once I have enough strength."
"Once I have crafted enough ninja tools."
"Once the members of the Shinigami Squad are strong enough."
"Even using the Ten-Tails as material for crafting ninja tools is not an impossible thing."
After thinking for a moment, Soma snapped back to reality.
"Ao-senpai, let's go take a look."
"Okay."
A group of four people.
In addition to Soma and Ao, there were also Kaguya Izumi and Hoshigaki Ryukame.
Ryukame paddled the small boat.
Before long, Soma and the others arrived at Raiga's residence.
Before they even entered, the smell of alcohol wafted over.
Soma couldn't help but furrow his brow.
Ao stepped forward.
He knocked on the door.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
But there was no response.
He knocked again.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Still, no response came.
However, from the sounds inside, it seemed like someone was moving around.
"Byakugan!"
Ao took a step back and activated his Byakugan.
In the next moment, his expression turned somewhat grim.
"Ao-senpai, what's the matter?"
Ao shook his head and said, "Soma, Raiga's condition is worse than Mizukage-sama described. He's practically passed out from drinking."
"Soma, should we still go in?"
Ao was visibly disappointed with Raiga's situation.
Soma hesitated for a moment.
"Since we're here, let's go in and have a look," he finally said.
With a light leap, Ao flipped over the fence.
Click!
From inside, the courtyard gate swung open.
Soma and the others walked in.
At that moment, Soma also caught sight of Raiga.
Disheveled hair, unkempt appearance, a mix of alcohol and an indescribable odor wafting around him.
"Soma, let me try waking him up first," Ao said.
"Water Release!"
Ao used Water Release, forming a water sphere suspended above Raiga's head.
Splash!
The cold water caused the drunken Raiga to jolt awake.
"Who?"
"What's going on?"
"What do you want?"
---
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