Naruto: I Became a Sword Saint in Konoha Chapter 239 239: Konoha's Sword Saint [239]

Hoshiyomi hadn't finished off Black Fog imdiately because he wanted to see what kind of performance the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō could show in his hands. But after waiting for quite a while, he realized the man couldn't make anything noteworthy out of it.

When Hoshiyomi took the Kusanagi Sword from Black Fog, he didn't feel any sense of resistance or submission. Thinking about it, it made sense. Although the Kusanagi Sword was a so-called "divine weapon," it wasn't a living being like Sahada.

Weapons in the Naruto world were not that mystical. Even the Kusanagi Sword, a divine weapon, was only a bit sharper than an ordinary blade and had a few special abilities..

He hefted it a few tis in his hand, feeling nothing exceptional. Then he struck it against his Mikazuki Munechika twice—no unusual vibration, no chipping.

Judging by hardness alone, the two blades weren't much different. Next, Hoshiyomi tested the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō's most praised trait—its exceptional chakra conductivity.

Channeling his most familiar Wind Release chakra into both weapons, the Mikazuki Munechika responded in its usual way. The Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō's reaction was roughly the sa—no sign of superiority over Mikazuki Munechika.

When he unleashed sword energy at the sa target, the Mikazuki Munechika even perford slightly better. Of course, that was partly due to Hoshiyomi's higher compatibility with his clan's heirloom. Under normal circumstances, the two blades' performance should be about even.

With that confird, Hoshiyomi could set aside any doubts. Since the Mikazuki Munechika and Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō were evenly matched, there was no need to replace his own sword.

His mother hadn't lied—Mikazuki Munechika, passed down through the Gekkō Clan for generations, truly was a divine weapon on par with the Kusanagi Sword.

Since the two swords were about equal, Hoshiyomi kept his word. He handed the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō to Kuugetsu.

"The Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō —one of the three Kusanagi Swords, and one of the best divine weapons in the world. Don't let it go to waste. The mont I give it to you, this sword is yours. You have to treat it like a lover.

I also have to remind you of one thing. I will only help you find a Kusanagi Sword this one ti. If you lose it or it's taken from you because you're not strong enough, I will not help you get it back."

Hearing that, Kuugetsu inexplicably felt the sword in her hands grow heavier. She, who would normally be shy from just a few words, looked Hoshiyomi directly in the eyes and said, "Don't worry, Hoshiyomi-sensei, I will take good care of this sword. I won't let it fall into anyone else's hands."

Hearing Kuugetsu's rare and serious promise, a smile appeared on Hoshiyomi's face. He subconsciously patted Kuzuki on the head and said, "It's a new sword. Hurry up and try out its power."

Kuugetsu nodded obediently. Because the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō was still a little long for her, she carried it on her back, just like always.

Drawing it from behind her, she first gave it a few swings to get used to its feel. Once she had a sense of its weight and length, she began channeling chakra into the blade.

Like most Uchiha, Kuugetsu's best elent was Fire Release, so she used her most familiar fire chakra.

With a resounding boom, fierce flas erupted along the blade's edge. Feeling the heat radiating from the steel, Kuugetsu's eyes went wide and her mouth ford a small "O."

She had never imagined her fire chakra could manifest such destructive force through a sword.

Gripping the now-hot hilt, she excitedly launched into the Uchiha-style sword techniques she excelled at.

With the addition of Fire Release, the style beca dazzling—each swing trailed sheets of fla, and the air itself shimred from the heat.

Watching from the side, Hoshiyomi nodded repeatedly. After his training, Kuugetsu's Uchiha-style swordsmanship was already close to mastery. Now, with the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō's superior chakra conduction, her attack power had risen sharply.

In his view, the destructive force of her Uchiha-style strikes was already approaching jōnin level. And with further growth in her Sharingan and swordsmanship, her montum would only be harder to stop.

...

While Hoshiyomi was handing the Sword of Kusanagi: Chokutō to Kuugetsu, a major incident was unfolding in Iwagakure.

Knock, knock, knock…

The door to the Tsuchikage's office rattled under urgent knocks. Ōnoki could tell from the hurried rhythm that it was bad news—again.

Ever since Iwagakure had gone to war with Konoha, he hadn't heard a single piece of good news. Even he was starting to doubt whether marching against Konoha had been the right move.

Letting out a long sigh, Ōnoki steadied himself. Bracing for another blow, he called toward the door, helplessly:

"Co in."

At his word, an Anbu operative rushed inside, bowed, and blurted:

"Ōnoki-sama, we've just received intel—Rōshi-sama has slipped out again."

Ōnoki had thought he was prepared for anything, but this news still staggered him.

Pressing a hand to his suddenly heavy head, he asked:

"How long has he been gone?"

"O-one day…"

At that, Ōnoki's face darkened in fury.

"What about the Anbu guards? Are they useless? If they couldn't stop Roshi, why didn't they co to and report it? How could they let him escape for a whole day?"

Ōnoki had been trying his best to control himself, but he couldn't help but yell at the end. He had been worried sick about Roshi for the past few days, and he never expected that despite all his precautions, Roshi would still manage to escape.

Hearing Ōnoki's roar, the Anbu ninja's head almost touched his crotch. He said with great difficulty, "Tsuchikage-sama, it's not the n's fault. They really were being careful. They even took turns sleeping. But we didn't expect there to be a traitor in the Anbu.

He had a secret dicine on him and used it to knock out all the Anbu. The sleeping gas was very powerful. One whiff and you'd be unconscious for a whole day. Roshi-sama took this opportunity to escape."

Ōnoki exhaled sharply.

"That's enough. It's useless to talk about this now. If Roshi has been gone for a whole day, even I can't stop him midway.

All I can do is try to save his life… or perhaps, this could be an opportunity. If I catch Gekko Hoshiyomi and Rōshi locked in battle, maybe I can take Hoshiyomi down in one stroke.

For the next few days, keep Iwagakure's defenses as they are. Be on guard against intruders, and control all comings and goings strictly.

If anyone gets inside, we're finished. Rember that!