"Alright."
Soma looked at the completed blade, gently exhaling a breath.
Due to the adoption of a new forging method, Soma experienced significantly greater mental and physical exhaustion than before.
By the end of the entire process, he even felt a wave of faintness wash over him.
Busier than last night until midnight, he felt even more exhausted.
"The next step is to embed the dragon scales."
This is a delicate task, but it doesn't consume much physical energy.
Soma took a break for a moment, then took out the dragon scales.
These are the scales from a dragon.
However, the scales vary.
Soma took out the dragon scales and pressed them tightly against the blade's patterns. At the same time, he held the hilt and channeled a surge of fire attribute Chakra into the blade.
Under this influence, the scales adhered even more perfectly to the blade.
Once all the scales were attached, Soma placed the blade directly into the furnace.
At the same time, he performed the "Chakra Smelting Technique."
However, the purpose of this process is not to melt the metal.
Instead, it is to perfectly integrate the dragon scales into the blade.
Using high temperatures, along with the properties of the dragon scales themselves, he allowed the scales to penetrate the metal, thereby spreading the power of the dragon scales throughout the entire blade, completing the forging of the Ninjato.
As for polishing, there was no need to polish the entire blade; only the edge needed to be polished.
The blade section does not have the presence of dragon scales.
On the third day, Soma entered the polishing room.
[Congratulations, host, on completing the forging.]
[The Soul Reaping Sword (Dragon Scale Sword) has been successfully forged.]
[Completion Level: Excellent.]
[Congratulations, host, you have gained Swordsmanship experience x2000.]
A series of voices echoed in Soma's mind.
Soma picked up the Soul Reaping Sword.
Its appearance resembled that of a Greatsword.
The blade was smooth and sharp.
Above the blade, one could clearly see layers of green scales stacked together.
A wave of information surged in.
[Soul Reaping Sword (Dragon Scale Sword).]
[Type: Greatsword.]
[Quality: Excellent.]
[Abilities: Soul Snatch 1—Absorb the opponent's techniques and return them against him.]
[Abilities: Soul Snatch 2—Absorbs Chakra Upon Touch.]
[Abilities: Dragon Transformation—Transforms the user into a dragon, enhancing the body but with a certain degree of side effects.]
[Note: According to the Blacksmith's Third Rule, the power of this ninja tool cannot affect the forger.]
The first and second abilities were within Soma's expectations.
However, the third one took him by surprise.
Soma recalled, "In the original storyline, when Toshu used the Soul Reaping Sword, distinct dragon scales grew on his arm. This so-called Dragon Transformation should refer to that—growing dragon scales, significantly enhancing defensive abilities and strength."
"And Toshu, unable to withstand the demonic power of the Soul Reaping Sword, had a substantial impact on his own spirit."
"In the end, he even became a puppet controlled by the Soul Reaping Sword."
"That must be the side effect."
Soma frowned slightly.
"I've forged so many Ninjato, and this one's side effect is the most evident."
"I wonder if Chukichi can withstand it."
"In terms of compatibility, there shouldn't be any issues between Chukichi and the Soul Reaping Sword."
"Then whether or not to form a contract will be up to Chukichi to decide."
"But fortunately, limited by the Blacksmith rules, at least I don't need to worry about using this Soul Reaping Sword."
"If Chukichi can withstand it, that would naturally be the best outcome."
Two figures followed behind Soma.
One was Daida.
The other was Kaguya Izumi.
The three of them arrived at the Mizukage's Building.
"Chief Uehara."
The guard ninja at the entrance showed more than just simple respect.
"I'm looking for Mizukage-sama."
"I'll report that right away. Chief Uehara-sama, would you like to wait in the conference room?"
"Sure."
Just as he sat down, the guard ninja returned.
"Chief Uehara-sama, Mizukage-sama happens to be free at this moment; you can go directly in."
"Okay, thank you."
"Chief Uehara-sama is too polite."
Entering the Mizukage's Office, Yagura stood up and welcomed Soma.
"Soma."
"Mizukage-sama."
"Is there something you need?"
"Mizukage-sama, it's like this... I recently forged a new Zanpakuto that has the ability to absorb Chakra and Ninjutsu."
Yagura's eyes immediately lit up.
"Absorb Chakra... is it the second Sword of Wisdom?"
Soma shook his head.
"The two are still somewhat different."
The Soul Reaping Sword absorbs Ninjutsu and returns it in the form of Ninjutsu.
In contrast, the Sword of Wisdom absorbs Ninjutsu and transfers the Ninjutsu's Chakra to the user.
For the Soul Reaping Sword to absorb Chakra, it must make contact with the opponent.
Secondly, the Sword of Wisdom has self-awareness, while the Soul Reaping Sword can enhance its user.
Thirdly, the Sword of Wisdom may be a bit sarcastic, but the Soul Reaping Sword has mental side effects.
"Mizukage-sama, I heard that there is a ninja in our village named Chukichi who possesses a special Kekkei Genkai, Dark Release, which can absorb the enemy's Ninjutsu. He may be a good fit for this Zanpakuto."
"Chukichi, huh?"
Yagura recalled.
"There is indeed such a ninja, but he's currently not in the village."
"Let me arrange for him to return to the village as soon as possible and go to you, Soma, right away."
"Before that, should we let other ninjas give it a try?"
Soma replied, "They can try, but the chances are slim."
"Is that so... Soma, could you do me a favor? There are too many people eager to gain recognition from the Zanpakuto, and some of them I can't refuse even as Mizukage."
"Soma, would that be alright?"
"You don't need to step in personally; just arrange for someone under you to oversee it."
"If they don't gain recognition, they'll give up on their own."
"This way, I'll have an explanation for those people without wasting your time, Soma."
Soma raised an eyebrow slightly.
He then agreed.
This was no trouble for Soma.
No matter how one viewed it, Yagura was still the Kage of the village. Asking Soma for this favor was just a small request; if Soma didn't help, it would be somewhat unreasonable.
Additionally, Soma felt a bit sorry for Yagura as the Mizukage.
He clearly knew he was going to become a puppet, yet the Third Mizukage still pushed Yagura into the position.
As soon as he took office, he became a puppet.
Moreover, the entire village's Elders basically knew this.
They were all collaborating to put on a show for Yagura.
"Mizukage-sama, I'll have Daida make the arrangements."
Yagura smiled.
"Soma, thank you."
"Mizukage-sama, you're too polite; it's just a small matter."
Soma was not surprised that Yagura faced such a situation.
Since becoming one of the Elders of the Hidden Mist Village, Soma realized that the Elders of a village inevitably encounter many issues, not just individual problems.
The higher one is in position, the more people are involved.
The relationships between people are intricate and complicated.
Even the Mizukage cannot escape this reality.
Upon returning to Forging Island, Soma immediately made arrangements.
"Daida, this Zanpakuto is somewhat special; if a ninja lacks sufficient willpower, they might be controlled by the Zanpakuto, so make sure they don't touch it for too long."
"Also, don't let them grip the hilt tightly."
Soma didn't know the specific side effects of the Soul Reaping Sword, but it's always better to have one more concern.
"Understood, Chief-sama."
Daida paused for a moment.
Then he looked at the Soul Reaping Sword, and his expression became serious.
...
...
The Fourth Raikage looked at the ninja in front of him.
"What's the situation with Hidden Mist Village and Hidden Rock Village?"
"Reporting to Raikage-sama, the Hidden Rock army seems to be fully prepared for a fierce assault; most of their ninja have already been deployed to the front. However, it looks like Hidden Mist Village is still hesitating."
The Fourth Raikage nodded.
"From the looks of it, Hidden Rock Village's thoughts align with ours."
"Konoha has reached its limit."
"In a one-on-one scenario, even if we try to take them down with us, we can't achieve that."
"This is the best opportunity to deliver the final blow to Konoha."
"Whoever breaks through Konoha first will reap the greatest benefits."
"Hidden Rock Village wants to compete with us."
In the next moment, the Fourth Raikage's expression became somewhat disdainful.
"Hidden Mist Village is being quite conservative."
"At this time, they still want to play it safe."
"However, it's understandable."
"After all, Hidden Mist Village has always been a relatively weak ninja village. This situation must be the first of its kind for them; the incident with Hozuki Gengetsu didn't reach this level."
"Such weaklings will always worry about this and that."
"With that in mind, the greatest benefits from Konoha will inevitably slip through their fingers."
With a command from the Fourth Raikage, he declared, "Pass on my orders; the full-scale assault begins now!"
"Yes, Raikage-sama!"
With the Fourth Raikage's order given, the entire Raikage army moved as one.
They surged forth like a colony of termites emerging from their nest.
They operated like a finely tuned machine.
"Kill!"
Countless Hidden Cloud ninjas charged toward the direction of the Konoha army.
With a surge of momentum, they aimed to crush the Konoha army, breach Konoha, and seize all of Konoha's resources, wealth, Ninjutsu, secret techniques, female ninjas, and bloodline abilities...
The eyes of the Hidden Cloud ninjas gleamed with greed, their faces full of avarice.
They were like wolves that had caught the scent of blood.
The Konoha ninja army was no match for them.
With just one touch, they would be overwhelmed.
The Fourth Raikage looked at the advantages of the Hidden Cloud army and smiled.
"Konoha won't be able to stop us!"
"Starting today, Konoha will become a part of history."
"The era of the Five Great Ninja Villages is coming to an end."
"The future belongs to the four major ninja villages, or perhaps even fewer."
"And my Hidden Cloud Village will surely take the absolute lead."
"Hidden Rock Village will certainly not progress as fast as my Hidden Cloud Village."
"Hidden Mist Village can only pick up the scraps of what my Hidden Cloud Village leaves behind."
"Secret Jutsu, Byakugan, Sharingan... my Hidden Cloud Village will take it all!"
The Fourth Raikage extended his hand and reached forward.
It was as if he was grasping everything about Konoha.
"Kill!"
"Charge!"
The Fourth Raikage seemed to envision the scene where he would break through Konoha, seize its resources, and return to Hidden Cloud Village, making it even stronger.
At that moment, suddenly, a blue light flashed intensely.
"What?"
A series of Hidden Cloud ninjas fell.
"Blue Flash!"
"What is that?"
"Minato Namikaze?"
"No, Minato Namikaze is the Yellow Flash, and he's already dead!"
"Could Konoha have a new ninja who has learned the Flying Thunder God Jutsu?"
"This flash is slower than Minato Namikaze!"
Tobirama halted, turned back, and revealed a displeased expression.
"This body is truly terrible."
"It's impossible to unleash my true power."
"It's like it has already rusted."
"Since that's the case, I can only use that."
In the next moment, Senju Tobirama threw out dozens of kunai, scattering them into the sky as they flew in various directions.
Senju Tobirama moved among these kunai, constantly weaving through them.
Not a single Hidden Cloud ninja could capture Senju Tobirama's instantaneous position.
This reminded many Hidden Cloud ninjas of the pressure they felt when facing Minato Namikaze before.
"Who is this person?"
"Konoha actually has such a strong ninja hidden away?"
"But it's too late for him to show up now."
"A ninja like this can't change the outcome of the battle."
"My Hidden Cloud Village will surely win!"
However, Tobirama wasn't coming for these people.
He was targeting the one who could truly impact the morale of the Hidden Cloud army.
The Fourth Raikage.
Just as the Fourth Raikage was basking in his ambitions for the future, Tobirama suddenly appeared right in front of him.
The Fourth Raikage's pupils constricted.
"Who are you?"
A strange face, yet one that the Fourth Raikage found somewhat familiar.
Hatred and disdain intertwined in his gaze.
Instinctively, the Fourth Raikage launched an attack.
Lightning gathered around his arm.
He hurled a punch directly at Tobirama.
"No matter who you are, get lost!"
The Fourth Raikage didn't know Senju Tobirama's identity, but he was very clear that anyone who appeared before him in such a manner at this moment could not possibly be an ally—they must be an enemy.
An enemy? Then they must die!
Moreover, the Fourth Raikage sensed the hatred in Tobirama's eyes.
However, to the Fourth Raikage's surprise,
Tobirama showed no intention of dodging his attack.
He simply let the blow fall.
"Boom!"
The punch directly shattered Senju Tobirama's shoulder.
Yet, Senju Tobirama didn't even change his expression.
Both hands were still forming hand seals.
Additionally, the Fourth Raikage noticed that despite having shattered half of Senju Tobirama's shoulder, not a single drop of blood flowed out. The shoulder disintegrated like paper, scattering into the air.
Moreover, there were faint signs of recovery.
This greatly exceeded the Fourth Raikage's expectations.
"What's going on?"
"This guy isn't human?"
But he didn't resemble a clone either. At least, the Fourth Raikage had never seen such a clone before.
Finally, Senju Tobirama completed his hand seals.
Senju Tobirama's jutsu was finished.
"Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags!"
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