A young man in black clothes stared blankly, wearing a hood with his entire face hidden in its shadow. Even up close, his exact appearance cannot be discerned.
Kaguya Neko looked up, observing the familiar surroundings, and felt a bit conflicted.
Not long ago, he was also a member of this village. But now, he bears the reputation of a rogue ninja on the run. Few people know the truth.
Most see him as a power-hungry villain who murdered his own people, destroyed the Kaguya Clan, stole the Zanpakuto Dragon-Bone, attacked Hoshigaki Kisame, and seized Kiriichimonji. The various insults could pierce one's eardrums. But Kaguya Neko does not regret it.
"At least the current the Kaguya Clan, is doing quite well."
"Masui Senpai has become the Clan Head of the Kaguya Clan, leading the clan to a normal life."
"The Kaguya Clan and the village no longer have the previous conflicts."
Genji glanced at Kaguya Neko. "Don't let others see us; let's go quickly."
"Yes, Elder Genji."
The two entered the secret chamber.
"Kaguya Neko, what's the matter this time?"
"Replying to Elder Genji, Uchiha Madara does not acknowledge the completion of my test for taking Kiriichimonji. He feels that I did not infiltrate Hidden Mist Village and that I used shortcuts, which cannot demonstrate my true strength."
"Therefore, Uchiha Madara has proposed a new test."
"He wants me to infiltrate Hidden Mist Village, kill a member of the Hozuki Clan, and seize one of the Seven Ninja Swords."
Genji frowned. "What exactly is Uchiha Madara testing you for?"
Kaguya Neko shook his head. "I don't know."
"Why has Uchiha Madara, who was so powerful back then, become so petty now? Just one test, and he's being so nitpicky and difficult."
Genji pondered for a moment. "By the way, Kaguya Neko, last time you mentioned that you and Uchiha Madara had made a deal. If you complete the test, he would grant you special Ninjutsu and Secret Jutsu?"
"Exactly."
Kaguya Neko took out a scroll.
"Elder Genji, this is the Ninjutsu scroll Uchiha Madara gave me after I took Kiriichimonji. The Ninjutsu on it is Chidori from Konoha's Hatake Kakashi."
Genji raised an eyebrow. "Lightning Release: Chidori?"
"This Ninjutsu, according to intelligence from Konoha, was developed by Hatake Kakashi himself. Kakashi hadn't even been born yet when Uchiha Madara had already left Konoha long before."
"How could he have a Ninjutsu developed by Hatake Kakashi?"
Kaguya Neko added, "I don't know either. Uchiha Madara promised me that the next Ninjutsu he would give me is Rasengan."
"After completing this test?"
"Exactly."
Genji fell into silence.
After a long while, Genji looked up at Kaguya Neko. "Kaguya Neko, this matter involves a lot. I need time to consider how to arrange it. You should wait here and not go anywhere to avoid being seen by others."
Kaguya Neko made a request.
"Elder Genji, may I visit the Kaguya Clan?"
"No, it would be very troublesome if you were recognized."
"Then can I meet Chief Uehara? I haven't thanked Chief Uehara in person for the last incident."
Genji hesitated for a moment. "You can, but you must come with me and cannot act alone."
"Alright."
Genji took Kaguya Neko to Forging Island, accompanied by two figures. One was Terumi Mei. The other was Genji's bodyguard. Both were quite capable and could ensure Genji's safety.
Kaguya Neko had indeed not betrayed Hidden Mist Village. However, since Kaguya Neko had been away for a long time, it was uncertain if there had been any changes. Necessary caution was essential; Genji had lived long enough to witness too much.
Some people, while undercover, end up truly becoming part of the other camp.
"Neko-senpai?"
Soma did not expect that not long after bidding farewell to Kisame, Genji would bring Kaguya Neko to visit.
Fortunately, Kisame had already left. Otherwise, it would have been quite awkward if the two sides had met.
"Chief Uehara."
Kaguya Neko took a step forward. "I am truly grateful for what you did last time."
"If it weren't for you, the Kaguya Clan might no longer exist in Hidden Mist Village."
This was the truth. Without Soma, the Kaguya Clan's fate would have been extermination. Only a few might have managed to escape, like the scattered survivors of the Uzumaki Clan.
"As a member of the village, I was just doing what I should. For the Kaguya Clan and for the village, I believe it was the best choice given the situation at that time."
Genji interrupted Kaguya Neko, who was about to say more.
"Soma, let's discuss something privately."
Soma glanced at Genji and then at Kaguya Neko, quickly understanding the situation.
"Alright, Genji-san."
The discussion Genji referred to was clearly not just between Soma and himself. It was about discussing matters with the Third Mizukage.
"Ao-senpai, please take care of Neko-senpai here."
"Leave it to me."
As Genji and Uehara Soma departed, Ao looked at Neko.
"Neko, I have some understanding of the situation with the Kaguya Clan. Let me briefly explain what I know."
"Sure, thank you, Ao-senpai."
Ao began to explain.
"After the night of the Kaguya Clan's extermination, Kaguya Masui went to the Mizukage's Building and was nominated as the chief of the Kaguya clan"
"By voluntarily giving up some of the Kaguya Clan's assets, he exchanged them for quite a few additional resources."
"Overall, this did not cause significant harm to the Kaguya Clan."
"And it is more suitable for the Kaguya Clan's situation."
"Lord Third has given considerable care to the Kaguya Clan."
"Kaguya Masui, leading the Kaguya Clan, has put them on a proper path."
"…"
"By the way, when the Forging Department was recruiting guards, Juzo recommended two members from your clan: one named Kaguya Izumi, and the other named Kaguya Satoru. They are now on Forging Island."
Kaguya Neko's pupils contracted slightly.
These two people held special significance for Kaguya Neko.
One was Kaguya Neko's childhood friend. They had been close since they were young. Kaguya Izumi had said more than once that she wanted to marry Kaguya Neko when they grew up.
But now, Kaguya Neko knew that this possibility would never be realized.
The other was a junior whom Kaguya Neko valued highly.
He had significant potential and talent.
Kaguya Neko even felt that Kaguya Satoru's talent might surpass his own.
"Ao-senpai, can I at least take a distant look at them? I promise not to meet them directly."
Ao shook his head.
"I'm sorry, I can't make that decision. Let's wait until Chief Uehara returns."
At this moment, Soma and Genji had arrived before the Skeleton Emperor.
The Third Mizukage's phantom appeared.
"Genji, what's the matter?"
"Mizukage-sama, it's like this."
Genji recounted to the Third Mizukage what Kaguya Neko had said.
"The previous test is invalid, and a new test is demanded? Kill a member of the Hozuki Clan and seize one of the Seven Ninja Swords? This is definitely not the real Uchiha Madara."
"However, since he wants to test Kaguya Neko this way, let him do so."
"Just a member of the Hozuki Clan and one of the Seven Ninja Swords."
"Give it to him."
"For the village, such a sacrifice for the Hozuki Clan is nothing. I have already shown them enough leniency in the Ninjato incident."
"This time, consider it a small return from them to the village."
Genji nodded.
"Understood, Mizukage-sama."
...
As Soma and Genji returned, Kaguya Neko made his request.
Soma hesitated for a moment.
"Alright."
The three of them approached the direction of the training field, watching Satoru who was currently training from a distance.
"Satoru is training very hard."
Soma said, "He seems to be spending all his time training, not stopping except for daily work and activities like eating and sleeping."
In this regard, Soma felt that Satoru was an extremely talented individual.
Despite the high-intensity training, Satoru showed no signs of discomfort.
Instead, he persevered and continued to make progress.
He was practically a comprehensive version of Rock Lee.
Not only in Taijutsu but also in ninja tools and Ninjutsu, Satoru made significant improvements.
At first, Soma did not expect the Kaguya Clan to produce so many talents.
Neko aside, Satoru, Izumi, and Masui were all quite impressive.
One could say that, barring any accidents, they could grow into powerful ninjas.
Drip!
Drip!
Drip!
Sweat dripped down.
Satoru's clothes were already soaked with sweat.
"Neko, I will never forgive you!"
"I'm going to kill you!"
"For the revenge of many clan members!"
When Satoru reaches his limits, he recalls the scene from that night, and the hatred in his heart gives him the strength to keep going.
"I will kill you!"
Neko, watching from afar, heard Kaguya Satoru's voice. However, Neko did not show a sad expression but rather felt a sense of relief.
"Not bad, Satoru."
"I look forward to the day your strength surpasses mine."
Neko watched for a while and then withdrew his gaze.
"Chief Uehara, let's go see Izumi next."
"Alright."
Ao led the way.
At this moment, Izumi was leading a team on their daily patrol, checking the situation on the island and addressing any issues as they arose.
The security of Forging Island is fully managed by the guard team.
Izumi and the others are well aware of their duties and responsibilities.
They also understand how important Soma is to Hidden Mist Village.
One person is even more important than all of their lives combined.
Neko looked at the familiar figure with a touch of tenderness in his eyes.
"Alright, Chief Uehara, thank you."
"Let's go back."
Neko did not greedily look any longer.
A single glance was enough.
He was worried that if he continued to look, he might do something unexpected.
If Izumi saw him, it would only cause trouble for Izumi, Soma, the Forging Department, and Hidden Mist Village—something Neko did not want to see.
"Let's go."
After the three left, Izumi seemed to sense something.
She suddenly looked back.
But she saw nothing.
"Izumi-senpai, what's wrong?"
Izumi snapped back to reality.
"Nothing."
However, in her heart, Izumi was unsettled.
"There was a very familiar feeling... what was it?"
Genji, with Neko, returned to the previous meeting room.
A figure entered, holding a list.
"Neko, you can choose one person from this list as your target. As for the Seven Ninja Swords, you can select any four of them except Hiramekarei, Thunder Swords, and Samehada."
Neko nodded.
"Understood, Elder Genji."
"I won't arrange things for you. Otherwise, Uchiha Madara will definitely be suspicious. You'll need to handle it yourself and try to minimize casualties."
"I will be careful."
Neko left, continuing with his previous disguise.
On the other side:
"Water Release, Water Formation Pillar!"
A column of water descended from the sky, crashing down towards the opposite Kisame.
Facing such a strong attack, Kisame did not retreat even a step but tightened his grip on the Sword of Wisdom.
Previously, Kisame had already exchanged several rounds with Yagura.
After obtaining the Sword of Wisdom, Kisame went to the Mizukage's Building to report to Yagura.
Yagura became interested and wanted to test the capabilities of the Sword of Wisdom, as well as Kisame's strength after acquiring it.
Thus, Yagura proposed a sparring match where the goal was to test rather than to win.
Kisame naturally agreed.
The two of them went to the surface of the sea.
Several ANBU ninjas nearby observed the match.
"Hoshigaki Kisame is really lucky. Just after losing Kiriichimonji, he has already gained the recognition of another Zanpakuto."
"Chief Uehara follows the rules. In front of Kisame, more than a dozen people tried, but none received the Sword of Wisdom's recognition. This just shows that Kisame's talent is indeed very high."
"Zanpakuto recognition is likely closely related to talent."
Kisame steadied his stance.
"Chakra Absorption Technique!"
At the same time, a strong suction force appeared on the Sword of Wisdom.
The Dragon Slayer's voice rang out.
"Old man, such a trivial attack isn't a threat to me. Watch me absorb it all."
In the next moment, the Chakra from the Water Formation Pillar surged towards Dragon Slayer.
Before it even got close, a significant amount of Chakra was already lost.
By the time it touched, it had completely lost all its power.
"Eat this, and your strength will surge up!"
Kisame couldn't help but twitch his eye.
"Young man, it's our turn now."
"Old man, take this! Here comes my shot!"
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