"Unless what?"
"Unless Mizukage-sama uses Water Mirror Jutsu."
Water Mirror Jutsu is a very special Ninjutsu, similar to Clone Jutsu. But instead of creating clones of the user, it creates clones of the reflected object. Moreover, these clones are extremely powerful, almost identical to the original.
Because it is equivalent to having a physical presence, like Clone Jutsu, it won't be directly absorbed by the Sword of Wisdom.
Water Mirror Jutsu's greatest fear is facing an opponent with an extremely large amount of Chakra. If Yagura's Chakra can't keep up, it will be depleted quickly.
Just like before, when fighting Orochimaru, Yagura didn't dare to use Water Mirror Jutsu against Manda. Generally, among creatures of the same type, larger creatures have more Chakra, though there can be exceptions. Manda's Chakra amount is extraordinarily terrifying.
The Kisame team consists of four people. In terms of battle scenes, it would be a very intense fight. However, for Yagura, it becomes a battle of Chakra consumption. Yagura's Chakra may not be as abundant as Kisame's team. Furthermore, using Water Mirror Jutsu requires Yagura to expend more Chakra. This is a technique, and as with any technique, there is a conversion rate issue. It is impossible for 100% of Chakra to be converted into Ninjutsu.
Even the legendary Six Paths Sage couldn't achieve 100%.
As soon as Soma's voice landed, Yagura began to form hand seals.
"Water Mirror Jutsu!"
A mirror made of water appeared beside Yagura. The reflection in the mirror was of the Kisame team. Four figures stepped out from the Water Mirror.
Soma: "…"
Four figures identical to Kisame's team appeared.
"Kill!"
The two sides immediately clashed. When one side used Ninjutsu, Kisame would actively confront them. When one side used Taijutsu or Kenjutsu, members of the other side's guard team would block.
A small team of four constantly changed positions, keeping a close watch on their surroundings. Because the Kisame team was newly formed, their coordination seemed somewhat unfamiliar. However, the power of this team was already evident.
Both Ninjutsu and Taijutsu/Kenjutsu attacks were blocked. Ninjutsu was not a problem since the Sword of Wisdom could absorb it. As for Taijutsu/Kenjutsu attacks, facing Stable Rock Style seemed to offer no effective solutions.
"It seems to have no weaknesses."
Genji said, "This Stable Rock Style and Kisame really are a perfect match."
"They remind me of the old days when the Hozuki Clan teamed up with other ninjas from the village."
"Unfortunately, the relationship between the Hozuki Clan and the village has become increasingly strained."
"Recently, the Hozuki Clan has lowered their stance. I hope they can recognize that the era of the Seven Ninja Swords is over and that the future of the Hidden Mist Village is the era of your Zanpakuto, Soma."
"That would be good for both them and the village."
The battle with the two Kisame was intense, but Yagura's face turned pale. The intense fighting consumed too much Chakra.
"Crack!"
A fissure appeared on the mirror. The next moment, the entire mirror shattered, and the four copies of Kisame's team disappeared.
"Not bad, not bad."
Yagura looked at Kisame's team with a smile.
"Mizukage-sama."
Kisame hesitated for a moment and said, "Mizukage-sama, since you used Water Mirror Jutsu for the test, the opponents were the same as us. I feel the test might not be very accurate."
"Should we change to other opponents?"
Yagura frowned slightly.
"Kisame, do you think that just because the opponents were the same as you, I can't judge your strengths and weaknesses?"
"I have fought many more battles than you."
"From a single glance at your Ninjutsu, your responses, and your coordination, I can roughly assess your level."
"Kisame, your coordination with the other three is very suitable."
"A four-person team like yours will rarely be defeated in the entire ninja world."
To Yagura, the Kisame team seemed like a turtle shell team. Their main strength was their defensive ability. The three Stable Rock Style members served as a shield against Taijutsu and Kenjutsu, while Kisame and the Sword of Wisdom served as a shield against Ninjutsu.
If one side cannot break the other side's defense, it basically means they are destined to lose.
"No, Mizukage-sama, that's not what I meant. I just can't judge it myself."
Yagura's expression softened. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Currently, the only person in the village who can put pressure on the four of you is me. However, I've already used up quite a bit of Chakra today and cannot continue fighting."
"Tomorrow, I will find time to test you again."
Kisame bowed his head.
"Thank you, Mizukage-sama."
The next day, they were at the same training ground. This time, Yagura used Water Mirror Jutsu, but it only reflected some of the Kisame team members. Originally, he intended to reflect the three members excluding Kisame, but since he didn't find the opportunity, he only reflected two of the guard team members: Kaguya Domaru and Ryuji.
The two were quickly restrained by their copies.
In the other direction, only Karatachi Umiushi remained—Yagura's fellow clansman.
But facing Yagura's attack, there was no hesitation. Because he was a fellow clansman, Karatachi Umiushi wanted even more to prove himself in front of Yagura.
A metal staff was thrusted violently at Karatachi Umiushi, like a sharp blade.
"Ding!"
Karatachi Umiushi brought his broad sword up to block. A massive force was reflected back.
The gap in power between them was too great. Despite using Stable Rock techniques, Karatachi Umiushi was forced to step back several times before stopping, with one hand braced against his back.
Kisame helped Umiushi stabilize his stance.
At the same time:
"Water Release: Water Prison Jutsu!"
A water balloon was launched toward Yagura.
Yagura quickly retreated. This was the special aspect of Kisame's team. Not only did one need to break through Kisame's team's defense, but one also had to be wary of Kisame's Water Release attacks. Even with a numerical advantage, the situation remained challenging.
Umiushi and his team acted like a wall. After being forced back, Yagura shifted direction and attacked Domaru with the copies from Water Mirror Jutsu.
In an instant, Domaru was under immense pressure. Kisame rushed to assist.
However, at that moment:
"Water Release."
Yagura used a diversionary tactic to draw Kisame's attention away. Yagura's true goal was to use Ninjutsu to defeat Umiushi.
Stable Rock Style is skilled at defending against Taijutsu and Kenjutsu, but it is less effective against Ninjutsu. Kisame noticed this.
While using the Sword of Wisdom to alleviate pressure on Domaru, he also used Water Release to counter Yagura's Water Release.
"Release!"
Domaru's accumulated momentum reached its peak. A semicircular blade of light flashed.
"Bang!"
Under the impact of this immense force, Domaru's copy was sent flying.
Yagura's Water Mirror Jutsu can replicate everything. But Stable Rock Style is special. Even though the copies can also use Stable Rock Style, it can only accumulate momentum while defending, not while attacking.
As a result, even though the copies used equivalent Chakra when Domaru employed the "Release" ability, they couldn't replicate the momentum. The copies were severely injured, and Yagura felt his own Chakra decrease significantly. This was the Chakra consumed by the copies' replication.
Yagura's eyes narrowed.
"If I can't break the defense, U can't defeat Kisame's team."
"Ninjutsu alone won't work."
"There's still a possibility with Taijutsu."
"Stable Rock Style is indeed strong."
"But the individual strength of Kisame's team members isn't strong enough."
"Therefore, if I go all out, I can still break through."
Yagura swung his metal staff and attacked Umiushi with a high frequency.
Continuous and unending.
The sound of metal clashing seemed to merge into one.
Umiushi's momentum grew higher and higher. But after reaching a certain limit, it stopped increasing.
This left Umiushi feeling very frustrated, his face turning bright red.
Although the momentum had accumulated sufficiently, he just couldn't find the opportunity to release it. It was like having successfully reached first and second base in baseball, but being just a step away from third base and unable to make it.
Umiushi continued to retreat.
"Break through!"
At that moment, Umiushi couldn't hold on any longer. Once a breach was made in the defense, the remaining part became much more vulnerable.
"Mizukage-sama, we lost."
Kisame gave up continuing.
Yagura nodded and took a moment to calm his breathing.
"Very well done."
Defeating Kisame's team wasn't easy for Yagura. And this was still with Kisame's team newly formed. Once Kisame and the three guard team members became more familiar and coordinated, and the guard team members mastered Stable Rock Style better, the challenge would be even greater.
The situation would be different.
Genji commented, "Just one Kisame might only be close to the level of a Kage.
It is thanks to the uniqueness of the Sword of Wisdom that he can contend with Kage-level ninjas.
But Kisame's team has already reached the Kage level."
This test not only confirmed the strength of Kisame's team but also showed the immense potential of Stable Rock Style to both Genji and Yagura.
"Soma, I plan to establish a specialized department to study Stable Rock Style Kenjutsu as one of the main directions for the village's future ninjas."
"This Kenjutsu style has excellent results."
"It not only works well with other ninjas but also integrates with one's own Ninjutsu."
"It has great potential on the battlefield."
"As for Broad Sword forging, can Forging Island keep up?"
Soma smiled.
"Mizukage-sama, I will certainly do my utmost."
This was exactly what Soma wanted.
Enhancing his reputation through Stable Rock Style.
Compared to Zanpakuto, a Skillful Grade Sword is less impressive, and thus the reputation it provides to Soma is naturally less.
However, a Zanpakuto can only be contracted with one ninja at a time. The reputation provided by a Zanpakuto has an upper limit.
On the other hand, a Skillful Grade Sword can be used by many people.
The more ninjas who adopt Stable Rock Style, the more ninjas using Broad Swords. Accumulated over time, this will undoubtedly provide Soma with a significant reputation boost.
"Soma, you'll have to work hard."
During wartime, efficiency is crucial for everything.
That day, Yagura allocated a small island, not far from Forging Island.
It was formerly the Kaguya Clan's commercial territory. However, with the decline of the Kaguya Clan, the commercial activities on the island gradually disappeared, and it was now essentially in a state of abandonment.
Therefore, Yagura could directly use it.
"Ryukame."
"Chief-sama."
Soma looked at Ryukame and said, "Under Mizukage-sama's orders, establish the Stable Rock dojo. I will serve as the head of the dojo. Starting today, we will recruit students and conduct special training."
Initially, Soma considered letting Ryukame be the head of the dojo directly. However, Yagura disagreed. Yagura's exact words were—Hoshigaki Ryukame's experience is limited and cannot handle the role of dojo head effectively; only you, Soma, as the head of the dojo can attract more ninjas.
—Ryukame can be the Head instructor.
Soma thought it made sense. It was similar to Konoha's Academy, where the Hokage initially served as the principal.
=Ryukame gained fame from his battle with Kakashi in the last war, but he was still somewhat lacking.
"Ryukame, you will serve as the deputy head of the dojo and be responsible for training the students. What do you think?"
Ryukame nodded.
"Chief-sama, I have no problem with it."
"Do you not resent me for taking the position of dojo head that should have been yours?"
Ryukame shook his head.
"My qualifications are definitely not sufficient. With Chief-sama supporting me, I can manage the students. It's actually me benefiting from Chief-sama. Furthermore, Stable Rock Style comes from Chief-sama."
"If it weren't for the heavy blade you created, there wouldn't be a Stable Rock Style."
"I am very grateful to have met Chief-sama."
"For you, Chief-sama, the position of dojo head is actually of little use."
Soma looked at Ryukame seriously, making sure that he was not lying, before withdrawing his gaze.
Asking this question was actually a test. If Ryukame was dissatisfied with the outcome, Soma would not do anything to him but would certainly not consider him an ally.
However, Ryukame's reaction satisfied Soma.
"Don't worry, what's meant for you will eventually be yours."
A figure quickly arrived.
"Chief-sama, a letter has arrived from Genji-sama."
"Bring it here."
Soma opened the envelope and saw the contents, his eyes suddenly brightening.
"Two Ice Release Kekkei Genkai talents?"
"This means we can almost start testing the Cold Dome Blueprint."
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