Ao noticed the subtle shift in i Terumī's gaze and instantly froze.
He wasn't oblivious—i's current expression toward Shigure was unmistakable. It was the kind of look only soone deeply smitten would have!
Thinking back to i's earlier behavior and tone, it wasn't hard to piece things together. If the two had really… progressed to that stage… then Shigure wasn't rely the prospective Mizukage anymore.
He was now undeniably the most influential figure in Kirigakure.
Mizukage by day, "Sleep-kage" by night.
What a life. Truly enviable.
"Everyone's here."
Shigure stepped up beside i Terumī. He now stood half a head taller than her—an amusing detail that didn't go unnoticed.
i first allowed herself a lingering glance at Shigure before shifting her attention toward the seven figures assembled behind him.
Hoshigaki Kisa and Momochi Zabuza—i already understood their strength well.
They were more than qualified to stand among the Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist.
As for Haku and Chōjūrō—they had already proven themselves by overwhelming the Kumogakure forces during the island assault.
Their positions among the Seven were also secure.
i also acknowledged Ringo Ayuri's exceptional power and talent. A prodigy worthy of the title.
The final two—Kuji Kaguya and Mui Oshiro—were… trickier.
i knew their identities and origins well enough. Their strength could only be considered adequate.
They could serve among the Seven—but they would undoubtedly face challenges from within the Village.
i turned to Shigure, her expression solemn.
"You should very well understand what the Seven Ninja Swordsn represent to Kirigakure."
It was no exaggeration to say…
They were Kirigakure's equivalent to Konoha's Sannin.
"So, many shinobi will challenge them. If they lose… the backlash will fall directly onto you."
Her tone carried concern—not bla.
Shigure answered with a calm smile.
"Don't worry. There won't be any problems."
The venue was built around a massive training reservoir—large enough to hold several football fields. It was one of Kirigakure's principal training grounds.
After all, this was the Village Hidden in the Mist.
A shinobi who couldn't fight on water had no right to call themselves a protector of a nation surrounded entirely by sea.
Tonight, nearly every shinobi in the village had gathered to witness the event.
i stepped forward—only to almost stumble as she montarily forgot her still-healing injury. She steadied herself and addressed the crowd.
"Ever since the lifting of Kirigakure's isolation, our village has finally begun moving in the right direction!"
"It is only a matter of ti before we regain the peak our Village once stood upon!"
"And today, we have another important announcent—"
"The Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist will be re-established!"
"The new mbers have already been chosen!"
With a single wave of i Terumī's hand—
The cold gleam of steel cut through the air.
Seven figures descended from above, landing in formation with splashes that rippled across the vast training reservoir below.
On the far left stood Momochi Zabuza, silently gripping the Kubikiribōchō.
On the far right, Hoshigaki Kisa, Sahada resting proudly over his shoulder.
Kuji Kaguya planted the Shibuki beside him, his sharp gaze daring anyone to look into his eyes for long.
Beside him stood Haku, poised and composed with the long Nuibari.
A few steps away, Chōjūrō trembled—yet held firmly to the legendary Hirakarei.
Following them were Ayuri Ringo, lightning dancing faintly around her twin blades Kiba, and the mysterious Oshiro Mui, whose weapon remained wrapped and unreadable.
As the seven swords manifested before the crowd, excitent surged among the gathered shinobi.
Eyes burned with pride and longing.
Even Shigure was slightly surprised by the intensity of the reaction.
Every Hidden Village has its symbol—
For Kirigakure, it has always been the Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist.
Not just a asure of strength—but a legacy of their spirit.
"Why them?"
A shinobi abruptly shouted.
"There wasn't even a selection! How were the candidates already decided?!"
Perfect.
Shigure welcod this.
How could authority be solidified without a challenge?
"I personally selected them," Shigure said, voice calm but absolute.
That silenced many. Even though news of him killing Danzō in Konoha had already spread yesterday, dissent still lingered.
A bold voice continued:
"Lord Shigure, no one doubts your judgnt, but isn't the decision too rushed? These seven may not be the strongest!"
The words remained respectful—barely.
Shigure narrowed his eyes slightly.
"If any of you feel unconvinced… and wish to inherit one of these swords—challenge them.
Defeat one of the Seven, and their blade is yours."
A ripple of shock spread.
"Is… is that truly allowed, Lord Shigure?!"
Shigure nodded.
Across the water, i Terumī spoke as well:
"Shigure's decree is the will of the Mizukage."
That was all it took.
"Very well!"
"I want to challenge!"
"I'll make a na for myself today!"
One after another, shinobi leapt forth, each targeting a different sword— driven by pride… ambition… and dreams of legend.
Yet—
They fell almost instantly.
Zabuza scoffed as the challengers groaned in the shallows.
"Stop dragging this out. We've faced far worse than this. Co together—ALL OF YOU."
"You can co at us all at once!"
An uproar erupted.
If that was the invitation—
THEN SO BE IT!
A chaotic battle broke out across the reservoir.
tal clashed. Water splashed. Cries echoed.
But—
Ten minutes later…
Silence.
Dozens of challengers floated defeated in the water. The Seven stood unscathed.
"They… they only used basic kenjutsu…"
"No Ninjutsu at all…"
Fear and awe replaced their earlier arrogance.
Shigure stepped forward and raised a hand.
Water Release: Healing Wave Technique.
Streams of water flowed outward, transforming into soothing ribbons that wrapped every fallen shinobi—healing cuts and broken pride alike.
Shigure's voice rang out:
"Does anyone still have objections?"
Every head shook rapidly. Not a soul dared speak.
i's lips curved.
"Good. From this mont, the new generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsn is officially established. They will operate under the command of Minazuki Shigure."
That declaration shook the entire venue.
Only the Mizukage was permitted to command the Seven.
This was no small appointnt—
It was the public recognition of Shigure as the next Mizukage.
Not everyone accepted it easily.
"Lord Mizukage! Isn't this decision too—too—"
i Terumī shot him a sharp look.
"Too what?"
He froze. He couldn't expose his pettiness outright.
"L-Lord Shigure's strength is unquestionable but… the Seven are swordsn. He—"
Shigure chuckled.
"Oh? Are you doubting my swordsmanship?"
He drew the massive Zangetsu from his back in a single smooth motion.
"If you wish… I'll prove it. I will use only the sword.
You may fight with any jutsu you like.
Defeat —
and I'll relinquish command over the Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist."
...
TN:
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